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Characterising baseflow signature variability in the Yellow River Basin
Shixuan Lyu1, Chunling Guo2, Yuyu Zhai3
1College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, China; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TR, UK.
Journal of Environmental Management
|July 10, 2023
Summary
Baseflow in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) shows distinct spatial patterns and varies with terrain, vegetation, and cropland. Multiple factors synergistically influence baseflow, crucial for sustainable water management.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Baseflow is critical for ecological health and economic development, particularly in water-scarce regions like the Yellow River Basin (YRB).
- Understanding baseflow dynamics is essential for sustainable water resource management in the YRB, which faces challenges from natural conditions and human activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively investigate baseflow characteristics and their determinants in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) from 2001 to 2020.
- To analyze the spatiotemporal variations of baseflow signatures using multiple algorithms and identify key influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- Employed four baseflow separation algorithms: United Kingdom Institute of Hydrology (UKIH), Lyne-Hollick, Chapman-Maxwell, and Eckhardt methods.
- Extracted thirteen baseflow dynamics signatures from daily ensemble mean baseflow data.
- Correlated baseflow signatures with catchment characteristics like terrain, vegetation, and land cover.
Main Results:
- Identified significant spatial patterns in baseflow signatures, with higher values in upstream and downstream reaches.
- Found strong correlations between temporal variations in baseflow signatures and catchment terrain, vegetation growth, and cropland coverage.
- Demonstrated a synergistic effect of soil texture, precipitation, and vegetation on baseflow signature values.
Conclusions:
- Baseflow characteristics in the YRB exhibit complex spatial and temporal variability influenced by multiple environmental and anthropogenic factors.
- The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing water resource management strategies in the Yellow River Basin and similar river systems.
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