Abstract: The RFE2.0 model, Penman-Monteith model and the aridity index were applied to evaluate the spatial pattern of dry-wet climate of the Tibetan Plateau in the growing season (May-Sep.) of 2001-2010, and influential factors for aridity pattern were also analyzed. The results show that (1) the arid and semi-arid climate zone mainly in the central and central-north parts of the plateau accounted for 67% of the total area of the Tibetan Plateau; (2) the south and southeast parts of the plateau, accounting for 25% of the total area, showed a drying trend from 2001 to 2010, and overall the degree of aridity in northern part was gradually reduced; (3) precipitation was the dominant factor leading to the regional difference of aridity, and the aridity index was more sensitive to potential evapotranspiration than to mean temperature and precipitation.

Key words: Tibetan Plateau, growing season, mean temperature, precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, aridity pattern