Changes in active-layer thickness and near-surface permafrost between 2002 and 2012 in alpine ecosystems, Qinghai–Xizang (Tibet) Plateau, China

•ALT and permafrost temperatures increased significantly on QTP between 2002 and 2012.•Changes differ significantly between alpine ecosystems.•Changes appear to be driven by precipitation increases.

Between 2002 and 2012, daily soil temperature measurements were made at 10 sites within five alpine ecosystems in the Beiluhe area of the central Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Changes in freeze–thaw occurrence, active-layer thickness and near-surface permafrost temperature in barren, desert grassland, alpine steppe and alpine meadow ecosystems indicate that alpine ecosystems are sensitive to climate variability. During this time, the average onset of spring thawing at 50-cm depth advanced by at least 16 days in all but the barren alpine settings, and the duration of thaw increased by at least 14 days for all but the desert grassland and barren ecosystems. All sites showed an increase in active-layer thickness (ALT) and near-surface permafrost temperature: the average increase of ALT was ~ 4.26 cm/a and the average increase in permafrost temperatures at 6 m and 10 m depths were, respectively, ~ 0.13 °C and ~ 0.14 °C. No apparent trend in mean annual air temperature was detected at the Beiluhe weather station. However, an increasing trend in precipitation was measured. This suggests that the primary control on the ALT increase was an increase in summer rainfall and the primary control on increasing permafrost temperature was probably the combined effects of increasing rainfall and the asymmetrical seasonal changes in subsurface soil temperatures.