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Runoff Changes and Their Impact on Regional Water Resources in Qinling Mountains from 1970 to 2020

Author

Listed:
  • Zhaopeng Zhang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Hubei Engineering University, No. 272 Jiaotong Avenue, Xiaogan 432000, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ting Wang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Hubei Engineering University, No. 272 Jiaotong Avenue, Xiaogan 432000, China
    State Key Laboratory of Loess Science, Institute of Earth Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 97 Yanxiang Road Yanta District, Xi’an 710061, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Chengcheng Zhu

    (School of Civil Engineering, Hubei Engineering University, No. 272 Jiaotong Avenue, Xiaogan 432000, China)

  • Zhilin Xia

    (School of Civil Engineering, Hubei Engineering University, No. 272 Jiaotong Avenue, Xiaogan 432000, China)

  • Cai Wu

    (School of Civil Engineering, Hubei Engineering University, No. 272 Jiaotong Avenue, Xiaogan 432000, China)

  • Keqin Duan

    (School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620 West Chang’an Street, Xi’an 710061, China)

Abstract

The Qinling Mountains serve as the main water source for the Weihe River and Hanjiang River. However, the lack of sufficient observational data limits a deeper understanding and the utilization of its water resources. In this study, the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrological model is used to quantitatively analyze runoff changes and their impacts on these rivers, based on meteorological, land use, and elevation data. By using the hydrological parameter transplantation method, a parameterized system was established to simulate runoff variations from 1970 to 2020. Results showed that the total runoff of the Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province ranged between 13.26 and 44.47 billion m 3 /year, with an average perennial runoff of 25.05 billion m 3 /year. Over the past 51 years, the runoff volume has exhibited a slightly decreasing trend. The average runoff at the northern foothills is 3.56 billion m 3 /year, which accounts for 62.4% of the natural average runoff of the Weihe River (Huaxian Station). In contrast, the average runoff at the southern foothills is 21.49 billion m 3 /year, which accounts for 68.1% of the natural average runoff of the Hanjiang River (Huangjiagang Station). The significant variation in water vapor transport from the western equatorial Pacific to the region via the South China Sea has been identified as the primary reason for the changes in runoff. This quantitative study of runoff changes in the Qinling Mountains clarifies their influence on the Weihe River and the Hanjiang River and will provide a basis for the rational usage of ecological water.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhaopeng Zhang & Ting Wang & Chengcheng Zhu & Zhilin Xia & Cai Wu & Keqin Duan, 2025. "Runoff Changes and Their Impact on Regional Water Resources in Qinling Mountains from 1970 to 2020," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:3948-:d:1644337
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chengyuan Hao & Sunan He, 2024. "The Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Temperature Variability Across Mts. Qinling: A Comparative Study from 1971 to 2022," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-22, October.
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