Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, often called the "Roof of the World," is the world’s highest and largest high-altitude plateau, covering about 2.5 million square kilometers in China, India, and neighboring countries. It averages over 4,500 meters (15,000 feet) above sea level. This vast mountainous region influences global climate, stores massive ice reserves, and is home to unique ecosystems and cultures. Its extreme elevation creates harsh weather conditions, but it also supports diverse flora and fauna adapted to high altitudes. The plateau plays a crucial role in Earth’s geological and atmospheric systems.