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Variation characteristics of hydrological response to water conservancy construction in the Qinhe River Basin of the Loess Plateau, China
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  • Peng Guo,
  • Fei Wang,
  • Xiawan Zhou,
  • LYU Jiqiang
Peng Guo
Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources Institute of Soil and Water Conservation
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Fei Wang
Chinese Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Water Resources Institute of Soil and Water Conservation

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Xiawan Zhou
Chang'an University School of Geological and Surveying and Mapping Engineering
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LYU Jiqiang
Chang'an University School of Environmental Science and Engineering
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Abstract

Investigating the response characteristics of various hydrological factors to the construction of water conservancy projects and evaluating their impact on the ecological environment is crucial for ecological protection and restoration in the Loess Plateau, China with a complex environment. In this study, we employed a geomorphology-based hydrological model to simulate the hydrological elements of the Qinhe River Basin in the Loess Plateau. Additionally, we explored the response characteristics of the water cycle and hydrological processes to the construction of reservoirs in the basin. We also examined multiyear changes in peak flood volume and sediment discharge during flood seasons influenced by reservoirs. A thorough evaluation of the simulation results indicated their reliability. The sub-basins hosting reservoirs initially showed an increase in evaporation, followed by a decrease. During the change periods, both runoff and soil water decreased, but remained higher than the mean values for the basin during the same period. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index of sub-basins associated with five reservoirs was significantly higher than the mean value for the basin during the same period. The peak flood volume and sediment discharge in the basin were characterized by decreasing trends, with the latter showing weak sustainability. The value of each index for a sub-basin associated with a reservoir was higher than the average value for the basin. The construction and operation of reservoirs had a positive impact on the ecology of the basin. Water and soil conservation measures, including sediment regulation and storage using reservoirs, significantly decreased water-related disasters and soil erosion in the basin. This study provides a scientific basis for the design of water conservancy projects and ecological governance in the basin.
04 Apr 2023Submitted to Hydrological Processes
04 Apr 2023Submission Checks Completed
04 Apr 2023Assigned to Editor
05 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
07 Apr 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 May 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 May 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
07 Jun 20231st Revision Received
11 Jun 2023Submission Checks Completed
11 Jun 2023Assigned to Editor
11 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
19 Jun 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
04 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Major
25 Jul 20232nd Revision Received
25 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
25 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
25 Jul 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Aug 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
11 Aug 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
12 Aug 2023Editorial Decision: Accept