On September 18, at Everest Base Camp, we had the opportunity to engage in a groundbreaking scientific initiative in the region. During an exclusive interview with Dr. Li Jia from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Aerospace Information Innovation Research Institute, we explored the significance of a recent experiment focused on land-atmosphere interaction.
**Interviewer:** Your research team has been actively studying land-atmosphere interaction in the Everest region. Could you elaborate on what land-atmosphere interaction entails and its connection to weather phenomena?
**Dr. Li:** We refer to our experiment as the “Comprehensive Study of Land-Atmosphere Interaction in the High-Altitude Environment of the Everest Region.” This project marks the first time scientists are using airborne platforms to gather data on water, heat, and carbon flux in this area.
Land-atmosphere interaction involves the physical processes that link the Earth’s surface to its atmosphere. Here, “land” pertains to the Earth’s surface, while “atmosphere” refers to the air surrounding it. Essentially, this interaction examines how surface processes can impact atmospheric conditions and how the atmosphere, in turn, affects the surface. This understanding is vital for grasping the Earth’s climate system.
Weather, however, relates to short-term atmospheric phenomena, such as temperature changes, precipitation, or clear skies.
**Interviewer:** The Tibetan Plateau is often called the “Roof of the World” and the “Third Pole.” What motivated your decision to conduct studies on land-atmosphere interaction in this unique environment? What are your primary scientific goals?
**Dr. Li:** The Tibetan Plateau, being the highest plateau on Earth, plays a crucial role in heating the atmosphere, which influences mid-latitude atmospheric circulation in the Northern Hemisphere. The exchange of materials and energy at the surface impacts not only local climate but can also alter global climate through complex feedback mechanisms.
Our research site is located north of Everest, at an average elevation of approximately 4,200 meters. The land-atmosphere interactions in this region affect global climate via atmospheric circulation, while global climate change impacts environmental conditions on the Tibetan Plateau, such as accelerated glacier melting in the Himalayas.
Often referred to as Asia’s water tower, studying this area during July and August allows us to leverage the monsoon season, which brings abundant rainfall and significant snowmelt. This results in high soil moisture content and ample solar radiation, leading to peak evaporation rates that influence atmospheric convection and circulation. One of our key goals is to observe how energy and moisture exchanges between the surface and the atmosphere govern these processes.
The complex terrain in the Everest region means that single-point ground observations alone cannot fully capture the land-atmosphere water and heat exchanges. Therefore, our experiment employs drones for extensive observational studies, integrating ground stations and satellite remote sensing to achieve a comprehensive understanding of land-atmosphere interactions in these unique climatic conditions.
**Interviewer:** How do interactions in the “Roof of the World” differ from those in low-elevation areas, and how do they influence each other?
**Dr. Li:** Land-atmosphere interactions at high altitudes, like the Tibetan Plateau, are typically much more intense than those at lower elevations. High altitudes receive substantial solar radiation, which leads to strong convection; when sufficient surface moisture is present, it results in a vigorous transfer of water vapor into the atmosphere. This dynamic can cause rapid and unpredictable weather changes, creating a “four seasons in one day” phenomenon, unlike the more distinct seasons found at lower elevations.
The heat and moisture produced in the Tibetan Plateau can affect low-altitude areas through atmospheric circulation, although the specifics of this relationship vary by region. For example, extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall or droughts in the Yangtze River basin could be linked to land-atmosphere interactions occurring in the Tibetan Plateau.
**Interviewer:** With only one Earth and one “Roof of the World,” how does your research on land-atmosphere interactions in the Everest region benefit both China and the world? Additionally, how can international collaboration in this field be enhanced?
**Dr. Li:** The Tibetan Plateau is pivotal to the global climate system, and China prioritizes research on land-atmosphere interactions here. We’ve established numerous ground observation stations, bolstered by satellite technology and model simulations, enabling extensive regional studies. Recently, during the second comprehensive scientific investigation of the Tibetan Plateau, we’ve further refined our observational network.
These studies are essential for understanding the climatic patterns of the plateau and its responses to climate change, providing valuable insights that inform climate policy formulation in China and worldwide. The findings will aid in water resource management and ecosystem preservation, contributing to sustainable development on a global scale.
China has a strong tradition of international scientific collaboration, working with various research institutions and universities worldwide, especially in neighboring countries. This collaboration extends beyond land-atmosphere interaction studies to encompass research in ecology, the environment, and glacial changes. Our aim is to deepen our understanding of the physical processes occurring in the Tibetan Plateau and their implications for global climate, while also examining the effects of climate change on the region.
As we look forward, I urge scientists from various countries to enhance data sharing and collaborative research efforts to improve our predictive capabilities regarding climate change trends. I hope that international initiatives to combat climate change align with global sustainability goals, allowing us to confront these challenges together.
**Interviewer:** You were appointed to the Hydrometeorological Committee of the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX) in 2019 and became a member of its Scientific Advisory Committee in 2024. How do you plan to leverage this role to promote international and cross-cultural academic collaboration?
**Dr. Li:** GEWEX has been fundamental to global climate research since its inception in 1990 and has a significant influence in the field. During my time on its committees, I aim to contribute my expertise in land-atmosphere interactions and satellite remote sensing applications to advance its mission. I hope to encourage greater participation from Chinese scientists in GEWEX initiatives and facilitate collaborations with prominent international researchers.
Our recent airborne flux study in the Everest region closely aligns with GEWEX’s scientific goals for the decade of 2023-2032. Furthermore, researchers in regions like the Alps and the Andes are conducting similar studies, and we are eager to explore collaborative opportunities for comparative research.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Li, for sharing your insights and the exciting advancements in this important area of research.
**Dr. Li:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital work.
