The mountainous region's glaciers have been melting at an average rate of 131.4 square kilometres (50 square miles) per year over the past 30 years, the People's Daily said, citing a geological study of the region.

Researchers who conducted the survey said that even if global warming did not worsen, the area's glaciers would be reduced by nearly a third by 2050, and up to half by 2090, at the current rate.

The survey, conducted by the Remote Sensing Department of the China Aero Geophysical Survey, also found a rapidly rising snow line, shrinking wetlands, and increased desertification compared with 30 years ago, the paper said.

These problems will worsen as the glacial melt -- which has accelerated in recent years -- continues, further depleting the area's water resources, the researchers predicted.

The plateau, which includes the Chinese portion of the Himalayas, accounts for nearly one quarter of China's landmass, stretching from Tibet to the adjacent provinces of Qinghai, Sichuan and Yunnan.

The snow line on the edges of the plateau had retreated an average 100 to 150 metres, but up to 350 metres in some areas, while wetlands had been reduced by 10 percent, the report said.

A separate national assessment of the impact of global climate change released last week said temperatures in China would rise significantly in coming decades, water shortages would worsen, and extreme weather events would intensify.

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