Factors contributing to the oxygen concentration over the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and its contribution rate calculation

Abstract

A decline in atmospheric oxygen concentration is projected in the 21st century given the background of global warming. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is located at a high altitude, and thus, it faces a hypoxia challenge; however, knowledge of the factors contributing to its atmospheric oxygen concentration is still lacking. Here, we conducted joint observations of ecosystem oxygen production and carbon sinks and near-surface atmospheric oxygen concentrations on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and meteorological elements at Beijing Fangshan Station. Using seasonal differences and statistical methods, we calculated the relative contribution rates of vegetation to changes in atmospheric oxygen concentration. Our results indicate that solar radiation, atmospheric humidity, and ecosystem oxygen consumption and production have a significant impact on the atmospheric oxygen concentration, and the impact shows temporal and spatial differences. Vegetation significantly impacts the oxygen concentration, with a contribution rate of 16.7%–24.5%, which is underestimated in existing research. Our findings provide important insights into the factors that influence atmospheric oxygen concentration and highlight the contribution of vegetation. To better understand the oxygen dynamics of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, we recommend further field observations of soil respiration and vegetation photosynthesis to clarify the contributions of carbon storage, carbon sinks and other factors to the near-surface atmospheric oxygen concentration.