The Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Precipitable Water in Taklimakan Desert and the Surrounding Mountains

The precipitable water(PW)of Taklimakan Desert was analyzed by GPS data,the radiosonde data and remote sensing of PW in near IR from MODIS in order to understand spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of PW in this area.The analysis results of atmospheric precipitation indicated that: Taklimakan Desert is a relatively high value area of PW in northwest,and the value of PW is higher than the surrounding mountains;the areas of southwestern Taklimakan Desert where near to Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a low value area of PW.No matter in Taklimakan Desert or in the surrounding mountains,the inner annual PW variation is accordance,namely highest in summer,lowest in winter,autumn is higher than spring.