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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
12:44
Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Relationship between landscape characteristics and surface water quality
1Department of Environmental Resources Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|January 11, 2008
Summary
Landscape features significantly impact surface water quality in Taiwan's Wulin catchment. Land use and slope are key drivers of hydrological responses and non-point source pollution (NPSP), affecting the Formosan landlocked salmon habitat.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Ecology
Background:
- Surface water quality in the Wulin catchment, Taiwan, is declining due to agricultural and human activities.
- This degradation threatens the habitat of the Formosan landlocked salmon in the Chichiawan stream.
- Understanding landscape impacts is crucial for conservation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of landscape characteristics on surface water quality.
- To predict hydrological responses and non-point source pollution (NPSP) exports in the Wulin catchment.
- To analyze how land-use, soil type, and slope influence watershed responses.
Main Methods:
- Application of the WinVAST model for hydrological and NPSP prediction.
- Analysis of landscape characteristics including land-use, soil type, and slope.
- Statistical correlation between landscape factors and watershed responses.
Main Results:
- Hydrological responses were found to be highly correlated with the Curve Number (CN).
- Pollutant exports showed a strong relationship with the average land surface slope.
- Land-use and slope were identified as major factors influencing watershed responses.
Conclusions:
- Landscape characteristics, particularly land use and slope, are critical determinants of surface water quality and NPSP.
- The WinVAST model effectively predicts watershed responses to environmental changes.
- Management strategies should consider land-use planning and slope management to protect water quality and aquatic habitats.
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