Simulating precipitation stable isotopes and tracking moisture sources in Qaidam Basin combining GCMs and HYSPLIT

In the Qaidam Basin, a harsh environment limits precipitation observations, which hinders the understanding of the hydrological cycle. This study compared and discerned the applicability of 11 general circulation models (GCMs) simulating δ 18 O and δ 2 H in precipitation in the Qaidam basin and tracked the water vapor backward trajectory by the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT). The LDMZ (nudged) model is most applicable in the study area. The moisture sources are the Westerlies and inland recycled moisture. This study can improve the understanding of the adaptability of GCMs in the arid alpine zone and the hydrological cycle in the Tibetan Plateau.