Responses of thermokarst lake dynamics to permafrost degradation on the central Tibetan Plateau

•Thermokarst lake dynamics had significant correlations with peripheral ground deformations.•Permafrost degradation extensively accelerated surrounding evolved thermokarst lakes.•Hydrological connectivity predominates spatial-temporal dynamics of thermokarst lakes.•Constructing the Qinghai-Tibet railway limitedly promoted permafrost degradation.