[Objective] To analyze and explore the causes and the spatial patterns of the freeze-thaw(FT) erosion in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and to provide important data support and decision-making references for soil and water conservation research and eco-environment protection in this region.[Methods] The driving force factors of FT erosion(the rainfall erosion and wind field strength during FT period) and the precipitation during FT period(indicating the soil water content) were introduced to establish an evaluation system of FT erosion and then the spatial distribution pattern of FT erosion were analyzed.[Results] The evaluation model of FT erosion had high applicability in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with the overall evaluation accuracy of 92%. The FT erosion area were widely distributed, covering 63.68% of the total area; and the non-FT erosion zones were mainly distributed in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin, Qaidam Basin and the Hengduan mountains. The intensity of FT erosion increased with the increase of slope. The erosion intensities of 15°~24° and ≥ 24° slope zone were severe while that of ≤ 3° slope zone was relatively slight. The spatial distribution patterns of FT erosion intensity among different vegetation types were significantly different. The FT erosion intensities of broad leaved forest and crops were relatively severe while that of meadow was slighter.[Conclusion] The FT erosion of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau belonges to the level of moderate erosion and the spatial patterns are significantly affected by terrain, plant types and climate factors.