Widespread and Unstable Thaw‐Related Hazards Across the Northeastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau

Abstract Permafrost degradation is accelerating across the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) due to climate warming, triggering diverse thaw‐related geomorphological hazards that threaten regional infrastructure and ecosystems. However, despite this, the northeastern QTP remains systematically understudied. Traditional remote sensing methods face challenges in accurately distinguishing hazard types due to their diverse triggering mechanisms and morphological similarities. To address these limitations, this study establishes the first comprehensive multi‐hazard inventory for Qinghai Province using integrated satellite imagery, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys, and field validation. A total of 534 thaw hazards (THs) are identified and categorized into retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs), thaw settlements, and solifluction. The combination of multiple data sources enables reliable differentiation between morphologically similar but mechanistically different landforms. Field investigations reveal that most documented hazards remain active, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring. Topographic analysis reveals distinct environmental preferences among hazard types. Thaw settlements predominantly occur on gentle slopes (0°–15°) with sunny aspects, while RTSs and solifluction are distributed across broader slope ranges and concentrated on shaded aspects. Multi‐temporal analysis shows contrasting evolutionary trends: RTSs exhibit rapid headwall retreat, while solifluction progresses more gradual downslope. This data set supplements existing inventories for the northeastern QTP and provides an empirical basis for hazard monitoring, infrastructure risk assessment, and engineering adaptation in permafrost regions under accelerating climate change.