This data set, based on conceptual erosion models, including the Freeze-Thaw Erosion Equation (FTEE), the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), and the Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ), and integrated multi-source data, provides a quantitative assessment of freeze-thaw erosion, water erosion, and wind erosion across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau during the historical period (2001–2020) and under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) scenarios for the future period (2021–2100). This data set offers essential data support and scientific foundations for understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil erosion in the region, assessing ecological risks, and formulating soil and water conservation strategies.
1. Topographic and Soil Characteristics Data
Topographic data were obtained from the National Tibetan Plateau Data Center (https://data.tpdc.ac.cn/). Soil characteristics data were sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (https://www.fao.org/soils-portal/data-hub/soil-maps-and-databases/harmonized-world-soil-database-v12/en/).
2. Historical Period (2001–2020) Data
Data on wind speed, precipitation, temperature, potential evapotranspiration, and vegetation cover were obtained from the National Tibetan Plateau Data Center (https://data.tpdc.ac.cn/).
3. Future Period (2021–2100) Data
Four scenarios from CMIP6 were selected: SSP1-2.6 (SSP1-RCP2.6, sustainable development pathway), SSP2-4.5 (SSP2-RCP4.5, intermediate pathway), SSP3-7.0 (SSP3-RCP7.0, regional rivalry pathway), and SSP5-8.5 (SSP5-RCP8.5, fossil-fueled development pathway).
Data for five variables including wind speed, precipitation, temperature, potential evapotranspiration, and vegetation cover were derived from five high-resolution global climate models: CESM2, MPI-ESM1-2-HR, IPSL-CM6A-LR, MRI-ESM2-0, and BCC-CSM2-MR. These data can be downloaded from the Earth System Grid Federation (https://aims2.llnl.gov/search/cmip6). For other relevant data, please refer to Wei et al., 2025.
1. Freeze–thaw erosion
Based on the formula used in the First National Water Resources Survey for soil erosion assessment, the lower elevation limit of the freeze–thaw zone on the Tibetan Plateau was determined. Five key factors including slope, vegetation cover, aspect, annual temperature range, and annual precipitation were selected as the main drivers of freeze–thaw erosion. A sensitivity assessment system was constructed accordingly. A comprehensive evaluation index was calculated using a weighted summation method, with higher index values indicating more severe freeze–thaw erosion.
2. Water erosion
Water erosion was estimated based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), incorporating the rainfall erosivity factor, soil erodibility factor, topographic factor, cover-management factor, and support practice factor.
3. Wind erosion
Wind erosion was estimated using the Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ), which integrates the climatic factor, soil erodibility factor, soil crust factor, surface roughness factor, and vegetative cover factor.
4. Accuracy control
The simulation results of water and wind erosion were validated using measured 137Cs data, demonstrating good data quality.
The simulation results for water and wind erosion were validated using measured 137Cs data. A strong agreement was observed between the simulated and measured values (water erosion: R2=0.839, P<0.001; wind erosion: R2=0.634, P<0.001), indicating that the model outputs are highly reliable.
| # | number | name | type |
| 1 | 2024YFF0809102 | National key R & D plan | |
| 2 | xbzg-zdsys-202214 | other | |
| 3 | U23A2062 | National Natural Science Foundation of China | |
| 4 | 23ZDFA017 | Major Science and Technology Projects in Gansu Province |
This work is licensed under
CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License).
CSTR:11738.11.NCDC.NIEER.DB6841.2025
10.12072/ncdc.nieer.db6841.2025
