Spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of terrestrial water storage in the Yangtze River source region

Climate warming has significantly altered hydrological processes in the Yangtze River source region, leading to various hydrological and ecological challenges. This study examines the spatiotemporal evolution of terrestrial water storage and groundwater storage using Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment satellite gravity data, Global Land Data Assimilation System hydrological model data, and meteorological data. The results indicate an overall increase in terrestrial water storage, with groundwater storage rising in the western region (west of Qumalai) since 2007, while declining in the eastern region. Groundwater storage shows little seasonal variation. The rapid temperature rise in the western part is identified as the primary driver of these changes.