Abstract: In this paper, the characteristics, formation causes, spatiotemporal distribution, disaster mechanism and degree of drought in east Qinghai Province were analyzed based on the investigated results and the data of climate change in the study area. The results show that, affected by global warming, the air temperature has been in an increase trend since the 1970s, the precipitation increase was not significant, annual runoff volumes of the rivers were slightly reduced, drought occurred frequently, and it is difficult to alleviate drought in near future. Consequently, soil erosion, landslides, avalanches and other geological disasters, agriculture biological disasters and a series of ecological problems would be induced. The development pattern and trend of drought in east Qinghai Province along with climate change were discussed.

Key words: drought, occurrence pattern, spatitemporal distribution, degree of drought, Qinghai Province