Intro
Salutation
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Contents
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Third Pole
1.1 An Overview of the TPW
1.2 Natural and Social Systems of the TPW
1.2.1 The Formation and Uplift of the TPW
1.2.2 Physical Geography Profile of the TPW
1.2.2.1 Solar Radiation in the TPW
1.2.3 The Air Temperature in the TPW
1.2.4 Precipitation in the TPW
1.2.5 Soil Texture and SOC in the TPW
1.2.6 The Vegetation in the TPW
1.2.7 The Biodiversity in the Third Pole
1.2.8 Social Systems in the TPW

1.3 Issues on the Sustainability of the TPW
1.3.1 Ecological Degradation of the TPW
1.3.2 Ecological Restoration Efforts in the TPW
References
Chapter 2: Overview of the Third Poleś Grasslands
2.1 Grassland Types and Distribution on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
2.1.1 Grassland Area
2.1.2 Grassland Type
2.1.3 Grassland Distribution
2.1.3.1 Alpine Meadow
2.1.3.2 Alpine Steppe
2.1.3.3 Alpine Desert
2.2 Plant Biomass Accumulation and Decomposition in the TPWś Grasslands
2.2.1 Accumulation of Plant Biomass
2.2.2 Defoliation and Decomposition

2.2.3 Plant Phenology and Growth
2.3 Climate Resources of the TPWś Grasslands
2.3.1 Alpine Meadow Climate
2.3.2 Alpine Steppe Climate
2.3.3 High-Cold Semi-Desert and Desert Climate
2.4 Grassland Water Resources of the TPWś Grasslands
2.4.1 Rivers
2.4.2 Lakes
2.4.3 Marshes
2.5 Soil Resources of the TPWś Grasslands
2.5.1 Characteristics of the TPWś Grassland Soil
2.5.2 Types of the TPWś Grassland Soils
2.6 Biological Resources of the TPWś Grasslands
2.6.1 Plant Resources
2.6.2 Animal Resources
2.6.3 Microbe Resources

2.7 Cultural Resources of the TPWś Grasslands
2.7.1 Ethnic Groups
2.7.2 Production Culture
2.7.3 Living Culture
2.7.4 Spiritual Culture
2.8 Values of the TPWś Grassland Resources
2.8.1 Livestock Production Value
2.8.2 Ecological Service Value
References
Chapter 3: Third Poleś Grasslands in a Global Context
3.1 Overview of Global Grasslands
3.1.1 Definition of Grasslands
3.1.2 Classification and Types of Grasslands
3.1.3 Origin and Distribution of Grasslands
3.1.4 Grassland Size and Area
3.1.5 Social Features of Grasslands

3.1.6 Values and Importance of Grasslands
3.1.7 Sustainability of Grasslands
3.2 Global Importance of TPWś Grasslands
3.2.1 Key Biome of Alpine Grasslands in the World
3.2.2 Key Ecoregions of Alpine Grasslands in the World
3.2.3 Typical Highland Pastoralism in the World
3.3 Regional Importance of TPW/QTPś Grasslands
3.3.1 Position of TPW/QTPś Grasslands on the Eurasian Continent
3.3.2 Role of TPWś Grasslands in Regional Socioeconomic Development
References
Chapter 4: Grassland Plant-Soil Interfaces
4.1 Plant-Soil Interface in Grasslands