Search

Precipitation has become a major topic of discussion in the subject of climate change. Studies have presented correlative relationships between climate change and the existing alterations in the global water cycle, leading to more extreme precipitation events, including both droughts and floods. This has shown severe impacts on agriculture, water resources, ozone levels, and human settlements. Accordingly, this study analyzes the trends in 40 years (1981-2020) of total monthly and annual precipitation data from six selected locations in Nigeria, using both the Mann-Kendall (MK) and new Sen's innovative trend analysis (ITA) method. The stations were chosen because of their close proximity to the Niger or Benue Rivers. The data were visually analyzed using boxplots to identify seasonal patterns and outliers, and the results of the MK test show that four of the six locations detected trends for annual and wet season precipitation variations. However, this was not applicable to dry season variations. The ITA test results show that only Kainji has an increasing trend in total annual and wet season precipitation, especially for high precipitation values, whereas other locations show decreasing trends for maximum precipitation values. A comparison of the two tests suggests that, the ITA test is more sensitive in detecting trends in precipitation data for the study locations. Overall, this study provides useful information for understanding the precipitation patterns in Nigeria, and can assist in planning and implementing appropriate water resource management strategies, with regards to the major rivers in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evapotranspiration (ET) is a critical process in the interaction between the terrestrial climate system and vegetation. In recent years, ET has undergone significant changes in the Jiziwan region of the Yellow River Basin, primarily due to the implementation of ecological restoration programs and the dual impacts of climate change. As a result, hydrological cycle processes have been profoundly affected, making it crucial to accurately capture trends in ET and its components, as well as to identify the key drivers of these changes. In this study, we first systematically analyzed the dynamic evolution of ET and its components in the Jiziwan of the Yellow River area between 1982 and 2018 from the perspective of land use change. To achieve accurate ET simulations, we introduced a multiple linear regression algorithm and quantitatively evaluated the specific contributions of five climate factors, including precipitation, temperature, wind speed, specific humidity, and radiation, as well as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a vegetation factor, to ET and its components. On this basis, we explored the combined influence mechanism of climate change and vegetation change on ET in detail. The results revealed that the structure of ET in the Jiziwan of the Yellow River area has changed significantly and that vegetation evapotranspiration has gradually replaced soil evaporation, occupies a dominant position, and has become the main component of ET in this area. Among the many factors affecting ET, the contribution of climate change is the most significant, with an average contribution rate of approximately 59%. Moreover, the influence of human activities on total ET and its components is also high. The factors that had the greatest impact on total ET, soil evaporation, and vegetation transpiration were precipitation, radiation, and the NDVI, respectively. In terms of spatial distribution, the eastern part of Jiziwan was more significantly affected by environmental changes, and the trends of the ET changes were more dramatic. This study not only enhances our scientific understanding of the changes in ET and their driving mechanisms in the Jiziwan area of the Yellow River but also provides a solid scientific foundation for the development of water resource management and ecological restoration strategies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is essential for ecosystem stability and climate adaptation, with precipitation variations directly affecting groundwater levels (GWLs). Human activities, particularly groundwater exploitation, disrupt the recharge mechanism and the regional water cycle. In this study, we propose a new research framework: On the basis of analyzing the spatiotemporal variability characteristics of precipitation and shallow GWL, we used transfer function analysis (TFA) to quantify the multi-timescale characteristics of precipitation–GWL response under the effects of climate change and human activities. In addition, we evaluated the GWL seasonality and seasonal response while also considering apportionment entropy. We applied this framework to the Lubei Plain (LBP), and the findings indicated the following: (1) Annual precipitation in the LBP decreased from southeast to northwest, with July and August contributing 51.5% of total rainfall; spatial autocorrelation of GWL was high and was influenced by geological conditions and cropland irrigation. (2) The coherence between GWL and precipitation was 0.96 in the high-precipitation areas but was only 0.6 in overexploited areas, and sandy soils enhanced the effective groundwater recharge, with a gain of 1.65 and a lag time of 2.1 months. (3) Over interannual scales, GWL response was driven by precipitation distribution and aquifer characteristics, while shorter timescales (4 months) were significantly affected by human activities, with a longer lag time in overexploited areas, which was nearly 60% longer than areas that were not overexploited. (4) Groundwater exploitation reduced the seasonality of GWL, and irrigation reduced the coherence between GWL and precipitation (0.5), with a gain of approximately 0.5, while a coherence of 0.8 and a gain of 3.5 were observed in the non-irrigation period. This study clarified the multi-timescale characteristics of the precipitation–GWL response, provided a new perspective for regional research on groundwater response issues, and proposed an important basis for the short-term regulation and sustainable development of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable management of blue and green water resources is vital for the stability and sustainability of watershed ecosystems. Although there has been extensive attention paid to blue water (BW), which is closely related to human beings, the relevance of green water (GW) to ecosystem security is typically disregarded in water resource evaluations. Specifically, comprehensive studies are scarce on the detection and attribution of variations of blue and green water in the Dongjiang River basin (DRB), an important source of regional water supply in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) of China. Here we assess the variations of BW and GW scarcity and quantify the impacts of climate change and land use change on BW and GW in DRB using the multi-water-flux calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Results show that BW and green water storage (GWS) in DRB increased slowly at rates of 0.14 and 0.015 mm a−1, respectively, while green water flow (GWF) decreased significantly at a rate of -0.21 mm a−1. The degree of BW and GW scarcity in DRB is low, and the per capita water resources in more than 80 % of DRB exceed 1700 m3 per capita per year. Attribution results show that 88.0 %, 88.5 %, and 39.4 % of changes in BW, GWF, and GWS result from climate change. Both climate change and land use change have decreased BW, while climate change (land use change) has decreased (increased) GWF in DRB. These findings can guide the optimization of the allocation of blue and green water resources between upper and lower reach areas in DRB and further improve the understanding of blue and green water evolution patterns in humid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In refugee camps, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services are essential for health and well-being, yet they face sustainability challenges in post-emergency contexts. Despite considerable research on WASH services in urban and rural areas, a gap exists in addressing sustainability within refugee camps. This study fills that gap by proposing a framework for evaluating WASH system sustainability in such settings. Through a convergent mixed methods research design, sustainability dimensions, metrics, and indicators were first identified via a literature review. These were then validated through expert interviews. The study applies a five-dimensional FIETS (financial, institutional, environmental, technical, and social) framework to assess WASH sustainability. Findings reveal that financial sustainability is the most critical dimension, followed by institutional, technical, social, and environmental factors. The research also identifies key challenges such as limited funding, political barriers, and limited water resource availability. It underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among stakeholders to overcome these obstacles and achieve long-term sustainability. This framework provides a structured approach for practitioners and policymakers to assess and improve WASH services in refugee camps, contributing to broader discourse on sustainable development and water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resources security is crucial to the survival and development of human society. A water resources security assessment and dynamic early warning system was constructed. The weights of water resources evaluation indexes were calculated by the entropy weight method, and the water resources security was evaluated with the comprehensive index method. The obstacle degree model was used to identify and analyze the main obstacle factors. The grey model was adopted to predict the future water resources security situation. The empirical study was carried out in Jinan. The results showed that the grade of water resources security in Jinan from 2008 to 2021 showed a gradually increasing trend. The obstacle factors were mainly concentrated in the pressure subsystem, indicating that the contradiction between supply and demand of water resources was the main problem affecting water resources security, which was accorded with the actual situation. The comprehensive index of water resources security from 2022 to 2026 shows a gradually increasing trend on the whole, and the warning situation develops towards a good trend, indicating that remarkable results in comprehensively building a water-saving society and vigorously promoting water pollution control have been achieved. The measures such as optimizing economic structure, improving water use structure, and improving water use efficiency will promote the further development of water resources security in Jinan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution satellite imagery providing long-term, continuous information on surface water extent in highly developed regions is paramount for elucidating the spatiotemporal dynamics of water bodies. The landscape of water bodies is a key indicator of water quality and ecological services. In this study, we analyzed surface water dynamics, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, using Landsat images spanning from the 1980s to 2020, with a focus on the highly developed Coastal Chinese Mainland (CCM) region. Our objectives were to investigate the temporal and spatial variations in surface water area extent and landscape characteristics, to explore the driving forces behind these variations, to gain insights into the complex interactions between water bodies and evolving environmental conditions, and ultimately to support sustainable development in coastal regions. Our findings revealed that reservoirs constitute the largest proportion of surface water, while lakes occupy the smallest share. Notably, a trend of expansion in surface water extent in the CCM was observed, mainly from the construction of new reservoirs. These reservoirs primarily gained new areas from agricultural land and river floodplains in the early stages (1980s–2000), while a greater proportion of construction land was encroached upon by reservoirs in later periods (2001–2020). At the landscape level, a tendency toward fragmentation and complexity in surface water, particularly in reservoirs, was evident. Human interference, particularly urbanization, played a pivotal role in driving the expansion of water surfaces. While reservoir construction benefits water resource assurance, flood control, and prevention, it also poses eco-hydrological challenges, including water quality deterioration, reduced hydrological connectivity, and aquatic ecosystem degradation. The findings of this study provide essential data support for sustainable water resource development. These insights underscore the urgency and importance of integrated water resource management strategies, particularly in efforts aimed at conservation and restoration of natural water bodies and the scientific regulation of artificial water bodies. Balancing human development needs with the preservation of ecological integrity is crucial to facilitating a water resource management strategy that integrates climatic and socio-economic dimensions, ensuring sustainable water use and protection for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change often affects streamflow, which can be categorized into immediate and lag responses. Historically, the phenomenon of lag responses, known as hydrological memory, has often been overlooked. This study aims to determine whether hydrological memory characteristics exist in Taiwan's catchments and to identify the lag time in streamflow response. Using data from 67 catchments across Taiwan with a length of over 30 years, the study examines the response of streamflow to precipitation and potential evapotranspiration across different time scales. Streamflow elasticity was employed to quantify the sensitivity of catchment streamflow. Sensitivity analysis results indicate that the month scale better explains the sensitivity of streamflow to climatic factors compared to the year scale. Therefore, memory characteristics are discussed using the month scale. Only 19.4% of the studied catchments exhibit significant hydrological memory, making it a rare phenomenon in Taiwan. The conceptual model of hydrological memory shows that extreme precipitation and other hydrological climate anomalies primarily impact river streamflow generation 33 days (1.11 months) later, with the influence of precipitation on streamflow recharge lag up to 50 days (1.67 months). Catchments with hydrological memory characteristics are predominantly located in southwestern Taiwan, mainly in catchments smaller than 500 km2, with generally lower baseflow indices and a higher proportion of streamflow contributions. These characteristics are less common in high-elevation areas. The results of this study highlight that streamflow response to climatic factors exhibits a lag time, illustrating the memory characteristics of Taiwan's catchments. This understanding will aid in the prediction of hydrological phenomena and provide valuable references for hydrological modeling and the development and management of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arid Zone Research / Ganhanqu Yanjiu is the property of Arid Zone Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arid Zone Research / Ganhanqu Yanjiu is the property of Arid Zone Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study introduces the concept and methodologies of equity cooperation into the research on the coordinated development of the "water-economy-environment" nexus, and develops a corresponding economic analysis model. The research begins by proposing a theoretical framework for equity cooperation in water resources, exploring foundational theories, conceptual extensions, analogies, and stakeholder interactions. It then introduces the "economic-equity mapping" matrix and its associated model, based on the Input-Output model. An empirical case study is conducted in Hubei Province, China. The findings reveal that between 2010 and 2020, the total input-output increased from 2,218.37 billion to 9,445.80 billion Chinese Yuan (CNY), with an average annual growth rate of 15.6%. Within this period, the total input-output of Water Utilization rose from 7.42 billion to 10.59 billion CNY, while Water Protection increased from 7.53 billion to 19.32 billion CNY. Compared to the initial equity structure, equity in the Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary industries, as well as Water Protection, improved, whereas equity in the Water Supply sector declined. The study recommends increasing environmental investment, particularly led by the Secondary sectors, to achieve regional sustainable development. This research aims to provide a decision-making bases and valuable references for advancing regional sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination development of the Water-Energy-Food complex system (WEF CS) is vital to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. However, the existing research ignores the influence of external environment, and it is not clear which dimension is the key driving mechanism for coordinated development of WEF CS. Herein, it built a theoretical framework of "system unit-nexus-natural environment" WEF CS based on the logical framework of "unit-nexus-external environment", and adopted Dagum Gini coefficient, coupling coordination degree, and grey correlation models to explore the sustainable development ability of water resource, energy resource and food resource of the Yellow River Basin (YRB). It showed that (1) the overall development level of WEF CS showed significant stage differences, indicating upstream > downstream > midstream; (2) the overall Gini coefficient decreased from 0.123 in 2004 to 0.084 in 2020, and the spatial mismatch of development level mainly came from the difference between reaches; (3) the influencing factors of the key zones that hindered the development of WEF CS chiefly came from the nexus dimension. This study provides insights into optimizing spatial adaptation pattern and improving coordination development in basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of accurate water balance assessment in glacier basins is essential for the management and sustainable development of water resources in the basins. In this study, a hybrid modeling framework was constructed to enhance runoff prediction and water balance assessment in glacier basins. An improved physical hydrological model (SEGSWAT+) was combined with a machine learning model (ML) to capture the relationship between runoff residuals and water balance components through the Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method. Based on the enhancement of the runoff fitting results of the existing model, the runoff residuals are decomposed and used to correct the hydrological process component values, thus improving the accuracy of the water balance results. We evaluated the performance and correction results of the method using various ML methods. We analyzed the results for two consecutive periods from 1959 to 2022 for the glacial sub-basins of three tributaries of the Upper Ili River Basin in central Asia. The results show that the hybrid framework based on extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) with an average NSE value of 0.93 has the best performance, and the bias based on the evapotranspiration component and soil water content change component is reduced by 3.2–5%, proving the effectiveness of the water balance correction. This study advances the interpretation of ML models for hydrologic assessment of areas with complex hydrodynamic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of urbanization, which leads to increased population density, changes in land use patterns, and heightened demand for industrial and domestic water use, exacerbates the contradiction between the supply and demand of water resources. This study examines the discrepancies between the supply and demand of water resources amidst urbanization, utilizing data from 110 cities within the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) spanning from 2012 to 2021. The research employs the projection pursuit clustering model and the Dagum Gini coefficient method to evaluate the developmental status of water resources. While the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region maintains a leading position with a water resources development score of 9.827 in 2023, there is a 2.2% increase in intra-regional disparity. The water resources development score for the City Cluster in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River (CCRYR) has experienced a decline, from 8.263 in 2012 to 8.016 in 2021; however, a reduction in intra-regional disparities has been observed since the implementation of the 2016 Outline of the Yangtze River Economic Belt Development Plan (YREBP), which suggests the policy's efficacy. The Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Zone (CCEZ), despite its initially lower level of development, has demonstrated significant growth, with scores rising from 7.036 in 2012 to 7.347 in 2021. Collectively, the water resources development in the YREB exhibits an upward trend, yet the development remains uneven. The CCRYR shows a catching-up effect because of the YREBP, and the differences in other regions are widening. The research results provide decision-making support for water resources planning and management, and are of great significance in promoting the sustainable use of water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) is a crucial indicator for assessing the sustainability of regional development. This study integrates the gray water footprint (GWF) into the WRCC evaluation, constructing a comprehensive framework that encompasses five subsystems: water resources, society, economy, ecology, and climate. Using the CRITIC-TOPSIS model, the WRCC of Yunnan Province from 2012 to 2022 is analyzed, and a dynamic assessment is conducted through spatiotemporal hotspot and obstacle factor coupling analyses. The results show that the comprehensive WRCC of Yunnan decreased from 0.489 in 2012 to 0.477 in 2022, displaying an overall fluctuating downward trend with uneven spatial distribution. The per capita GWF and GWF load significantly impacted the WRCC within the social and ecological subsystems, respectively, highlighting the importance of water quality in the WRCC evaluation. The results reveal differing development trends in the dynamic changes of WRCC cold- and hotspots across various regions in Yunnan. Through coupling the obstacle factors of each regional subsystem, the main challenges and key measures for sustainable water resource development in each area are identified. This study optimizes the traditional evaluation framework by addressing shortcomings in water quality considerations, enriching the WRCC assessment, and providing a more comprehensive and accurate decision-support tool for regional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In water-scarce areas, there is a complex interrelationship between water resources and economic development. This paper studies the relationship between water resources and economic development from an ecosystem services perspective. This paper selected the value of river ecosystem service functions and the comprehensive index of economic development in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) from 2007 to 2018 as the research object, tested the synergy of ecosystem service functions in the basin, and introduced a coupling coordination model to evaluate the synergy of developmental factors. The research results showed that (1) the overall river ecosystem service value in YRB was on the rise, and its distribution was characterized by a high value in the lower reaches and a gradual decrease from the middle reaches to the upper reaches; (2) the synergy of river ecosystem service functions in YRB was mainly reflected in the supply and regulation functions, and the synergy of cultural functions should be improved; (3) the overall coupling and coordination degree showed an upward trend. However, judging from the characteristics of coupled and coordinated degrees, backward ecological development is a long-term problem. This article will help to put forward countermeasures and suggestions for the coordinated development of the river ecosystem service value and regional economy in YRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aims of this study are to clarify the runoff changes in the subtropical river headwaters under different scenarios, to provide decision-making basis for the comprehensive management and regulation of water resources in the basin and the development and utilization of water resources, and to provide scientific reference for the ecological security guarantee in the subtropical river headwaters. [Methods] Taojiang River Basin, the main source area of the Ganjiang River, was taken as the research area. SWAT model was constructed. The model was calibrated and validated by using meteorological and precipitation data from 2000 to 2019, and then the runoff response characteristics under different land use and climate change and their combination scenarios were simulated. [Results] SWAT model has good applicability to the Taojiang River Basin, and the fitting effect between simulated runoff and measured runoff is good. The runoff capacity under the construction and development scenario is the strongest, and the runoff capacity under the ecological protection scenario is the weakest. There are obvious differences in runoff capacity in different seasons. The runoff capacity of each scenario in the wet season is quite different, while the difference of surface runoff in different scenarios in the dry season is small. In the 15 climate change scenarios, the runoff is positively correlated with precipitation (p＜0.01) and negatively correlated with temperature. Compared with the change of temperature, the change of precipitation has a greater impact on the runoff flow in Taojiang River Basin, which is the main influencing factor on runoff change. The average annual runoff under L1＆C5 scenario (cultivated land expansion scenario, temperature unchanged, precipitation increased by 20%) is the largest, reaching 267.15 m³/s. [Conclusion] In this study, land use has a weak impact on runoff change, and climate factors play a major role in runoff change in Taojiang River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological connectivity in river systems facilitates the movement of animals across riverine landscapes and influences fish habitat but is threatened by climate change and water resource developments. We studied fish assemblages across a large wet–dry tropical river system in northern Australia that is under consideration for new agricultural and water resource developments, which are expected to alter hydrological connectivity. We explored relationships between the environment and several biotic variables; fish taxonomic composition, species turnover, and species trait presence, quantifying how they were related to hydrological connectivity. Environmental dissimilarity of sites was influenced by hydrological connectivity variables, including flow, elevation, and river distance. Environment characteristics and hydrological connectivity together were important predictors of fish taxonomic composition. Fish species turnover was highest in headwater sites, and species presence absence was related to feeding and reproductive traits. Our results suggest that habitat specialists and species with reproductive traits that depend on hydrological connectivity, such as diadromous species, are most vulnerable to declines in relative abundance following a reduction in connectivity, which would lead to range contractions within catchments. Maintaining habitats that support taxonomically and functionally unique fish assemblages, such as wetlands and headwater streams, is important for maintaining biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation is a crucial hydro-meteorological variable for the protection and sustainability of water resources, and it has been significantly affected by climate change. Hence, it is essential to evaluate the effects of climate change on precipitation for effective water resource planning and development. This study aimed to evaluate trends of monthly precipitation in the Lower Mekong Delta River Basin (LMDRB) in southern Vietnam using innovative trend analysis methods. Monthly total precipitation data of eight stations in the basin observed from 1989 to 2018 were used. Mann-Kendall (MK) test, Innovative Polygon Trend Analysis (IPTA), and Improved Visualization of Innovative Trend Analyses (IV-ITA) methods were applied after homogeneity tests to the time series of the stations determined to be homogeneous. The IPTA method examined possible monthly precipitation transitions and seasonal changes, while the IV-ITA method examined the trend of the low and high precipitation categories. The IPTA method was more sensitive than the MK Test method in trend detection as it detected a trend in 85% (approximately 50% increase and 35% decrease) of the 84 (12*7) months. In almost all stations, an increasing trend was observed in September and December at low values, while a significant decrease was observed in April at high values. Continued increases and decreases in precipitation due to climate change impacts will significantly affect rice production in the LMDRB. This study provides valuable insights into the impact of climate change on precipitation in the basin, which could help in effective water resource planning and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of water as a vital resource and development factor is well known all over the world, and its conservation has led to the assessment of morphometric parameters that play an important role in the flow of surface waters. This study emphasizes the morphological analysis of the Wadi Boussaada sub-basin in Algeria, leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to enhance the understanding of its hydrological dynamics. The watershed and its geomorphological and hydrometric characteristics were identified using a digital terrain model (DTM) derived from SRTM images with a 30-meter resolution. These data were utilized to generate detailed cartographic representations in GIS (ArcGIS), aiding in the development of morphometric databases (BD), geographic, and thematic models. The application of GIS facilitates the extraction of the hydrographic network and sub-watersheds, enabling the calculation of physical watershed characteristics such as shape, relief, and network structure. The study produces thematic maps--including slope, flow direction, and drainage maps--that aid in identifying potential hazard areas within the basin. This approach underscores the importance of morphological analysis while illustrating how GIS can enhance the evaluation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Droplet transport assumes a crucial role in domains such as atmospheric governance, water resource development, drug delivery, medical analysis and detection, as well as the development of biosensors. Currently, droplet transport is accomplished through established chemical environments and structural gradients, yet it fails to precisely control the motion state of droplets. This paper presents an innovative approach for transporting droplets by means of discharge plasma, which governs the start, stop, and velocity of the droplets by modulating the discharge power. We employ discharge plasma to charge and polarize droplets and form gradient electric fields and gradient charges in space for driving droplets. Eventually, we achieved directional transport of diverse droplets via this method, which holds significant potential application value for controlling droplet motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous strong human activities have changed the mutual feedback relationship between water resources, economic society and ecological environment, and affected regional sustainable development. In order to explore the coordinated development of water resources, economic society and ecological environment in the Yellow River Basin of Henan Province and identify the drivers of coordinated development, this study improved the traditional coupling coordination degree model based on synergetics and random forest model, and calculated the comprehensive development index and coupling coordination degree of water resources, economic society and ecological environment in the Yellow River Basin of Henan Province from 2011 to 2022. The spatial and temporal evolution characteristics are revealed by kernel density estimation, and the driving factors of the coordinated development are analyzed by geographic detector model. The results showed that during the study period, the comprehensive development index of each system showed a different degree of growth trend, but there was a certain degree of heterogeneity. The water resources, economic society and ecological environment system showed a spatial disequilibrium pattern of "high in the west, low in the east, high in the south and low in the north", "the center leads the periphery, the edge develops slowly", "the upstream is superior to the downstream, the southwest is superior to the northeast". The coordinated development level of water resources, economic society and ecological environment showed a significant positive trend, and the spatial heterogeneity among cities was obvious, showing the evolution characteristics of "regional rise, high in the south and low in the north, high in the west and low in the east". Natural endowment, economic foundation and human settlement environment are the main driving factors for coordinated development, and the relationship between each factor is becoming increasingly close, and the interaction type shows a trend of transformation to "nonlinear enhancement". This study innovatively puts forward a new method of coordinated development evaluation, and verifies its scientific nature, which provides a powerful tool for in-depth analysis of the coordinated development of water resources, economic society and ecological environment in the Yellow River Basin of Henan Province, and has certain practical guiding significance for promoting regional sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the impact of water resources management on Afghanistan's international relations, particularly with neighboring countries such as Iran, Pakistan and Tajikistan. As a landlocked country, Afghanistan is highly dependent on water resources, which are vital to its political, economic and social stability. The purpose of this study is to analyze the opportunities and challenges associated with water resources management and the importance of international cooperation in this context. The research used a mixed approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Data collection was conducted through semistructured interviews with experts and stakeholders, as well as a survey to assess the views of local communities. Data analysis was conducted using statistical software such as SPSS and NVivo. The findings show that effective water resources management can reduce international tensions and improve Afghanistan's socio-economic conditions. In addition, the lack of international agreements can lead to discontent and recurrent tensions between Afghanistan and neighboring countries. The research also identified climate change as a significant factor affecting the availability of water resources. Effective management of water resources is not only important for Afghanistan's domestic stability, but also for its international relations. The research recommends the need for comprehensive international agreements and infrastructure development to improve sustainable water management and encourage regional cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Huangshui River is a major tributary of the upper Yellow River. Understanding the hydrogeochemical processes involved in the formation of brackish groundwater in the Huangshui River Basin is essential for the rational development and utilisation of water resources, as well as for the protection of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. The chemical composition of brackish groundwater can reveal the hydrogeochemical processes it has undergone, while isotopic tracing can indicate the sources and processes of groundwater formation. This study employs hydrochemical and isotopic analyses to elucidate the contribution of groundwater–rock interactions to the formation of brackish groundwater in the Huangshui River Basin. The groundwater is classified as HCO3–Ca·Mg type freshwater and SO4·Cl–Ca·Mg type brackish water. Based on ion ratio coefficients and 87Sr/86Sr ratios, mineral dissolution, evaporation concentration and cation exchange are the dominant processes in the hydrochemical formation of brackish groundwater in the basin. The primary minerals undergoing dissolution in the basin include evaporites, carbonates and silicates. Discrimination using a hydrochemical component end‐member mixing model identifies evaporites (73.6%) and carbonates (4.5%) as the main dissolved components in the brackish groundwater segment, while evaporites (67.5%) and carbonates (16.25%) are predominant in the partial dissolution of minerals in the freshwater segment. This suggests that the dissolution of evaporites plays a significant role in shaping the hydrogeochemistry of the Huangshui River Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of water scarcity, understanding the mechanisms influencing and altering agricultural water consumption can offer valuable insights into the scientific management of limited water resources. Using Henan Province as a case study, this research applies the Mann–Kendall test method, the spatial Markov transfer chain model, the optimal parameter geo-detector model, and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition method to investigate the evolution characteristics of agricultural water consumption in Henan Province and its key influencing factors. The findings revealed the following: (1) Agricultural water consumption has shown a significant decline from 1999 to 2022. (2) According to observations, the stability of agricultural water consumption exceeds the spillover effect, and cross-border grade transfer is challenging. Moreover, this phenomenon is influenced by the neighboring regions. (3) The key influencing factors of added agricultural value are the sown area of food crops, total sown area, irrigated area, and average annual air temperature. (4) Among the decomposition effects on agricultural water consumption, the contribution of each decomposition effect to changes in agricultural water consumption and the role of spatial distribution exhibit notable differences. Overall, these findings provide theoretical references for the efficient use of agricultural water resources and sustainable development in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the concepts and assessment processes of water resources in China, focusing on the characteristics of water resources and variations in water cycle fluxes. It reveals that the distribution of water resources in China is uneven, with more south and less north, and human activities have led to a decline in water resources, particularly in northern arid and semi-arid regions. Further analysis shows that duplicated measurements of surface water and groundwater significantly affect water balance calculation and water resource assessments, serving as a crucial factor guiding water resource development and utilization. The study also finds that consistency correction of runoff series is insufficient to meet the requirements of accurate water resource assessment. It is urgent to strengthen fundamental research in hydrology and hydrogeology, and to establish a dynamic assessment system for the efficient management and rational use of surface water and groundwater in the current changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of Geographic Information System (GIS) methodologies offers valuable insights into the hydrological behaviour of watersheds through the analysis of their morphometric attributes. This study focuses on the Goriganga River, a major tributary of the Ganga River system, by conducting a detailed morphometric analysis using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery with 30 m resolution, alongside survey of India topographic sheets. Thirty-two watersheds within the river basin were delineated to calculate linear, areal, and relief morphometric parameters, covering a total drainage area of 2,183.11 km2. The drainage pattern, primarily dendritic to sub-dendritic, is shaped by the region's topography, geological structure, and precipitation patterns. Classified as a 6th-order basin, the drainage density ranges from 1.21 km/km2 to 1.96 km/km2, underlining the significant influence of the regional physiography and lithological composition on the stream ordering. Relief analysis suggests the basin is in an early developmental stage, characterised by varying slope gradients and a low to moderate risk of soil erosion. The basin's hydrogeology is complex, with aquifer distribution primarily governed by lithological factors. Limestone, due to its high permeability and karst features, forms the principal aquifer, although it is susceptible to contamination. In contrast, groundwater potential in the Basement Gneissic Complex and Schist regions is limited to structurally controlled zones, while shale acts as an aquitard. The basin's heterogeneous aquifer characteristics emphasize the need for localized groundwater management strategies tailored to specific lithological units. The integration of remote sensing and GIS techniques effectively delineates the basin's morphometric and hydrogeological characteristics, providing critical information for the development of sustainable water resource management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of Soil & Water Conservation is the property of Bulletin of Soil & Water Conservation Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Planning and managing water resource systems with multipurpose surface reservoirs demand the careful consideration of several critical factors, including system longevity, multiple uses, phased development, substantial financial investments, complex management requirements, uncertainties in predicting future hydrological inputs, and the estimation of economic parameters. Despite the importance of these factors, recent research and software development efforts for water resource system planning and management have predominantly focused on hydrological models. Economic models that describe the phased growth of such systems are often either absent or not fully integrated into decision-making software. Well-established network-based decision support tools, such as MODSIM, AcquaNet, and SIMYLD-II, provide robust hydrological modeling but lack explicit economic sub-models to address the evolving nature of water resource systems over time. This paper introduces a novel approach that combines optimization and simulation techniques to evaluate the multi-year performance of a growing water resource system. By conducting multiple model runs for each phase of system development—each characterized by unique topologies, demand patterns, hydrological conditions, and water delivery preferences—economic analyses are suggested to complete the global evaluation of the system. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into long-term planning horizons. Research in this direction continues to evolve, aiming to bridge the gap between hydrological and economic modeling in decision support frameworks. To illustrate the proposed methodology, a test example is presented, showcasing the implementation of the economic calculations and computer routines described in the paper. This example serves as a foundational step toward more comprehensive tools for sustainable and economically viable water resource system planning and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study characterized groundwater resources for the Nakivale sub-catchment of the transboundary Victoria Basin in Uganda using classical hydrochemical and stable isotopic approaches. Groundwater in the study area is essential for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. As a sub-domain of the larger Victoria Basin, it also plays a crucial role in shaping the hydrological characteristics of this vital transboundary basin, both in terms of quality and quantity fronts. This makes its sustainable management and development vital. The predominant groundwater type is Ca-SO4, with other types including Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, Na-HCO3, and Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl. Hydrochemical facies analysis highlights the importance of rock–water interactions in controlling groundwater chemistry, mainly through incongruent chemical weathering of Ca-rich plagioclase feldspars and the oxidation of sulfide minerals, such as pyrite, which are prevalent in the study area. Groundwater recharge is primarily influenced by the area's topography, with recharge zones characterized by lineament networks, located in elevated areas. Stable isotope analyses indicate that groundwater mainly originates from local precipitation, while tritium data suggest the presence of both recent and older groundwater (likely over 20 years old). The study's comprehensive approach and findings contribute significantly to the understanding of groundwater systems in the region, thus providing valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in water resource management and development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Joint multivariate distribution and calculation of return period are essential in enhancing drought risk assessment and promoting the sustainable development of water resources. Aiming to address the increasingly serious drought situation in the Yellow River Basin, this study first utilized the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) distributed hydrological model combined with the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), the Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSMI), and the Standard Water Yield Index (SWYI); the duration, peak, and severity of meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological droughts were analyzed. Based on the selected copula function, a three-dimensional joint distribution of drought duration (D), drought severity (S), and maximum severity (M) was constructed. The corresponding copula joint probability was calculated, leading to the three-dimensional joint return period and concurrent return period of meteorological drought, agricultural drought, and hydrological drought. The findings reveal several key trends: (1) Meteorological drought intensifies over time. Although drought areas eased after the 1990s, the overall drought trend continues to rise. Agricultural drought has intensified in arid regions but eased in semi-humid areas after the 2000s. Hydrological drought was severe in the upstream regions during the 1990s but eased in the 2000s, while it was particularly severe in the midstream and downstream regions during the 2000s. (2) Meteorological droughts are more severe in arid and semi-arid temperate regions and milder in semi-humid cold temperate regions. Agricultural droughts are extreme in arid and semi-arid cold temperate regions. Hydrological drought events are fewer but more severe in semi-arid temperate regions and have the lowest probability of occurrence in semi-humid cold temperate regions. (3) The overall probability of the occurrence of meteorological drought is between 55.7% and 69%; that of agricultural drought is between 73.1% and 91.7%, and that of hydrological drought is between 66.9% and 84%. Drought risk assessment provides scientific references for the analysis of the uncertainty of water supply in the basin and the formulation of effective risk management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation plays an important role in the management of water resources and of the terrestrial vegetation degradation in semiarid regions of China. Detailed descriptions of the actual hydrological process of vegetation root water uptake (RWU) are lacking, and the dynamics of interfaces involved in the process of RWU have not received enough attention. A field in situ experiment with bare land and vegetated land was implemented to investigate soil water flow in vadose zones affected by vegetation RWU. The results revealed that, with the influence of RWU, the soil moisture content was redistributed and impacted evaporation and infiltration; therefore, even the roots were driven to utilize groundwater under intense potential evapotranspiration and water stress. Notably, the thicker vadose zones were beneficial for preserving water resources for bare land, but Salix reduced soil water storage by 1191.13 L compared with bare land, which was adverse for water resource development in semiarid regions. The results provide the basis for the protection of the vegetation environment and water resource management in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development requires water resources, and the supply of water is directly linked to economic growth, political and social issues. This article presents the findings of a research study conducted to identify actions, beliefs and perceptions regarding water consumption among students and the possible associations between actions related to water conservation and demographic, socioeconomic and cultural variables. In addition, we aimed at finding any changes in water use habits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out at a university in the city of Joinville (southern Brazil). Non-probabilistic quota sampling was implemented and a total of 246 responses were obtained. Exploratory data analysis was performed by means of descriptive and graphical measures. Classical statistical tests were applied to identify possible associations. The results provided information on the use of water for personal hygiene and cleaning, among others. Based on the understanding of the consumption habits, more targeted awareness-raising actions can be prioritized. Highlights: A considerable number of students are unaware of their daily water consumption. Some students reported difficulty in taking environmentally-oriented actions. Most students reported being aware of the existence of water-saving devices. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on water consumption habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of rainfall trends in the middle Euphrates region of Iraq, extending from 1980 to 2018, including wide region between the stations of Samawa, Al-Najaf, Karbala, Hilla, and Diwaniya. The research aims to fill a critical gap in the understanding of regional hydrological patterns and provide essential insights for sustainable water resource management. Using advanced statistical methods, such as the MannKendall test and Sen’s slope estimator, along with autocorrelation and cross-correlation analyses, we detected slight trends that were not previously reported. Principally, the Mann-Kendall test indicated no significant overall trends, while Sen’s slope estimator identified slight positive and negative trends at specific stations, highlighting local climatic variations. the findings reveal that all stations, except Samawa, indicated stationarity and homogeneity, with a particularly strong positive mutual correlation between Karbala and Hilla stations (0.7693 at lag 0). This research contributes new insights into rainfall variability in the Middle Euphrates, in Iraq, which presents significant data to improve water resource management strategies and inform future hydrological studies in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implement of water resources spatial equilibrium (WRSE) schemes is fundamental task of integrated water resources management in China, in which, the evaluation and simulation analysis of WRSE system is of great concern for understanding the overall variation and feedback characteristics of WRSE system. Therefore, we utilized the ordered degree, entropy and connection number coupling model to evaluate the variation of WRSE system, and also employed system dynamics (SD) and scenario simulation integrated method to reveal the feedback characteristics between different equilibrium variables and subsystems, and thus the set pair analysis‐SD based approach for structure simulation and variation trend evaluation of WRSE system was constructed. The application results in Anhui province, China demonstrated that, the overall variation of provincial spatial equilibrium situation of WRSE system presented obvious improving trend, 2009–2019, the index of ordered degree and connection number entropy in Hefei, increased from the minimum of 0.6434 (Grade 3, unequilibrium) to maximum of 0.9985 (Grade 1, equilibrium). Moreover, the future variation of WRSE system will display stable improving trend during 2020 to 2029, in which, annual water resources availability and water resources utilization efficiency will have significant influence on WRSE system. And the research findings can be favorable to formulate water resources development and utilization strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake eutrophication is becoming increasingly severe worldwide, not only affecting sustainable development of water resources, leading to degraded ecosystem functions, but also threatening socio-economic development and ecological security. This paper provides a systematic review of basic theories and the latest research progress on lake ecosystem restoration, including regime shift, nutrient control, biological manipulation and environmental criteria. It also outlines the restoration approaches of internal and external nutrient loads reduction, biological measures and water conservancy measures based on domestic and international restoration practices. Lake restoration is a long-term and arduous task, to address the current unresolved issues and the new changing environment, research prospects of setting restoration goals, determining nutrient loads thresholds, quantifying aquatic communities relations, and building watershed management and control system are proposed in order to provide scientific support for lake restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arid Zone Research / Ganhanqu Yanjiu is the property of Arid Zone Research Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses the importance of water diplomacy and governance in achieving water security, focusing on the BRIDGE program by IUCN. The program emphasizes a multilevel approach to water governance, highlighting the need for participatory processes at local, national, and transboundary levels. It addresses the complexities of water security, diplomacy, and governance, emphasizing the diverse stakeholders involved in achieving effective water governance. The text also explores the global threats to water security, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices to address climate change and population growth. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology / Shuiwendizhi Gongchengdizhi is the property of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Water resource carrying capacity is a critical measure of the ability of water resources within a region to support social, ecological, and economic scales. This study establishes an evaluation index system for the water resource carrying capacity of Golmud City and calculates the weights of the indices using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Based on an analysis of the current status of Golmud's socio-economic development, agriculture, and water resource utilization, a simulation model based on system dynamics is constructed. By setting 162 different scenario plans and normalizing the simulation results, the development trend of Golmud City's water resource carrying capacity is studied, and an evaluation is made for the sustainable development of water resources in Golmud City. Using data from 2001 to 2018 as the basic data, a carrying capacity analysis of water resources for the future from 2019 to 2030 is conducted. The study reveals that continuing the current development pattern will lead to unsustainable water resource carrying capacity. Among the scenarios aimed at coordinated development in all aspects, the best water resource carrying index is achieved, reaching 0.698 by 2030. By analyzing the development trend of the water resource carrying capacity index, existing problems in the utilization of water resources in Golmud City are identified, and feasible strategies for the sustainable use of water resources in Golmud City are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The system dynamics approach was conducted to optimize genotype patterns in various climatic and water availability scenarios, to address the water productivity improvement of the Sefidrood irrigation network. The studied cropping pattern scenarios were SD1 (the continuation of current trends), SD2 (the reduction in the cultivated area), SD3 (replacing modified crops on an annual basis), and SD4 (increasing the annual cultivated area of Hashemi type rice). Moreover, the impacts of irrigation efficiency improvements and water resources management strategies on the physical and economic water productivity indices were studied. The results indicated that the SD3 scenario has the most positive impact on water productivity with 0.45 kg/m3 increases. However, a questionnaire survey revealed that this scenario that belongs to the increase in the modified genotype area cannot be recommended due to cooking quality and low prices. The Hashemi genotype was the favorite rice among farmers and experts. Also, analyzing the irrigation efficiency improvement scenario showed that this strategy has a limited impact on the physical and economic water productivity. Increasing the capacity of local rainwater storage pools, Ab-bandans, and increasing the drainage water reuse had the highest water productivity in the condition of river water reduction and uncertain water availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the relationship between grain planting and the environment is an important means to promote sustainable production. This study takes wheat, a typical grain crop in the Yarkant River oasis irrigation district, the fourth largest agricultural irrigation district in China, as an example to analyze the relationship and changing trends between wheat yield and water footprint (WF), and carbon footprint (CF) from 2001 to 2020. The study found that during the research period, wheat yield, W F g r e e n , b l u e , W F g r e y , and CF showed a fluctuating but significantly upward trend. Decoupling analysis indicates that the overall decoupling trend between wheat yield and water footprint and carbon footprint is not obvious. This suggests that the rapid development of wheat production in the Yarkant River Oasis has also led to significant water resource consumption, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Among the three sub–irrigation districts, the Shache sub–irrigation district has the best decoupling state, reflecting that the increase in wheat yield in Shache did not lead to more water resource consumption and pollution which is may due to its abundant water resources and agriculture development. Further analysis found that the use of nitrogen fertilizers and irrigation electricity have contributed to water resource pressure and greenhouse gas emissions. This study reveals that there are significant environmental risks in the current wheat planting in the Yarkant River oasis irrigation district, but it also points out the direction for green development in the irrigation district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal cities face increasing flood risks due to urban expansion and climate change. This study simulates flood hydrographs in the Netravathi River watershed using the HEC-HMS hydrological model to improve flood management in Mangalore, Karnataka, which has experienced severe floods recently. The SCS curve number (CN) method was selected for its efficacy in estimating surface runoff across diverse land use and soil types. GIS tools analyzed spatial data on soil types, drainage, and land cover changes from 1990 to 2021, enhancing runoff forecast accuracy. Model calibration optimized parameters with historical flood events, and validation used independent past flood events. Validation showed a strong correlation between observed and simulated runoff hydrographs, particularly during peak discharge periods. A high Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (0.89) and low Percentage Bias (0.65%) demonstrate the model's accuracy. The coefficient of determination (0.86) confirms the model's predictive capability. The HEC-HMS model effectively forecasts streamflows in ungauged catchments within the Netravathi sub-basin using measured rainfall data, enabling more precise planning and management of water resource developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the dual impacts of global climate change and human activities, how to accurately and quantitatively assess and identify changes in watershed runoff is crucial to the rational development and utilization of water resources. Different methods of identifying runoff change attribution are applicable to different environments. In this study, we used five different methods, including the double mass curve (DMC), the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT), and the three Budyko hypotheses based on Fu, Choudhury‒Yang, and Milly‒Zhang formulas to explore the impact of human activities and climate change on runoff change in the Jinghe River basin (JRB). The results show that annual runoff of the JRB decreased considerably, and human activities accounted for more than 90%. Specifically, the results of the SWAT model and the three Budyko hypotheses are highly consistent except for the DMC method, which is not recommended in basins with significant changes in factors other than precipitation. More importantly, the Budyko hypothesis based on the Milly‒Zhang formula uses the vegetation water utilization coefficient to consider the impact of vegetation change on runoff, which is most consistent with the simulation results of the SWAT model and is recommended for the attribution analysis of changes in the Loess Plateau represented by the JRB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the chemical properties of river water and the controlling factors is crucial for devising efficacious strategies in water resources management and ecological conservation. This study investigates the hydrochemical characteristics and driving factors of the Beichuan River in the arid region of Northwest China. Surface water samples were collected during wet and dry seasons, and analyzed using hydrochemical diagrams, mathematical statistics, and principal component analysis (PCA). The results show that the pH value of Beichuan River is generally weakly alkaline, the main hydrochemical types are HCO3-Ca, and the average TDS are 224 mg/L and 236 mg/L respectively, which are higher than the world average level (115 mg/L). The seasonal variation of hydrochemical components is mainly controlled by rainfall, showing that the concentrations of Na+, Cl− and NO3 − in the wet season are higher than those in the dry season, while the concentrations of other chemical components show an opposite trend, while the spatial variation is mainly controlled by human activities, and the concentrations of hydrochemical components show a gradual increasing trend from upstream to downstream, especially Na+, Mg2+, Cl− and NO3 − . Rock weathering is the key natural factor controlling the Hydrochemical Composition of Beichuan River. Na+ and Cl− are mainly from the dissolution of silicate, Ca2+ and Mg2+ are mainly from the weathering of carbonate rocks and silicate, and SO4 2- is mainly from the dissolution of evaporite. It is noted that human activities, especially domestic sewage and agricultural runoff, contribute significantly to NO3 − in the water body. PCA identified rock weathering and agricultural runoff as major wet-season factors, while domestic sewage predominantly affects the dry season. This study can provide a scientific basis for the rational development of water resources and ecological environment protection in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the most dynamic natural resource that is not uniformly distributed both in space and time. Identifying it for sustainable water resource development for domestic use, irrigation, and industrial purposes is the biggest challenge and key concern due to climate change, overexploitation, and a lack of proper management. Geographical information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) play a fundamental role in identifying suitable groundwater potential and recharge zones. In this study, groundwater potential and recharge zone map are delineated using GIS and RS techniques integrated with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for the Melka Kunture Watershed in Ethiopia. The thematic layers used were: Lithology, geomorphology, slope, lineament density, land use/cover, rainfall, drainage density and soil. GIS has been used to integrate and overlay thematic layers using a weighted overlay analysis tool, whereas the AHP method has been used to assign the weights, normalize, and rank thematic layers and their associated sub-themes based on their suitability, characteristics, or influence on groundwater potential and recharge zones. The output groundwater potential zone map is categorized into four suitable zones: high potential cover 1105.60 km2 (25.70%), moderate potential 2308.00 km2 (53.73%), low potential 880.0 km2 (20.49%), and very low potential 47.80 km2 (1.10%), whereas there are three suitable groundwater recharge potential zones: high potential cover 250.20 km2 (5.80%), moderate recharge 3647.90 km2 (84.00%), and low recharge 443.50 km2 (10.20%) of the study area. Hence, the study areas have been more suitable for groundwater potential and recharge zones as compared to the total area. The groundwater potential map was validated using the existing water source and well points, and it indicated a good prediction accuracy of 88%. Thus, the delineated groundwater potential and recharge zone maps are reliable, and the resultant potentiality mapping has played a vital role in the sustainable development and management of the water resources in the study area. Highlights: → The integration of GIS and RS techniques with the MCDA-AHP method is a powerful tool for delineating the groundwater potential and recharges zones in the Melka Kunture Watershed. → Utilizing both recent conventional data and high-resolution satellite imagery is crucial for creating accurate thematic layers and maps of groundwater potential and recharge zones. → To further validate and enhance these techniques, conducting well drilling or pump tests using geophysical investigations is recommended to gain a more detailed understanding of groundwater potential and recharge zones, as well as to estimate yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document discusses the importance of water resources management for sustaining ecosystems, economic development, and social well-being. It highlights the significance of reservoir control operations in optimizing water utilization efficiency and supporting various water needs. The document also explores new monitoring technologies, artificial intelligence methods, and integrated water resources management strategies to address challenges such as climate change impacts and increasing water demand. Overall, the document aims to stimulate further research and dialogue on water resources management to achieve global water security and sustainability. [Extracted from the article]

[Objective] The aim of this study is to examine the response of hydrological cycle factors to vegetation dynamics and climate change in the inland river basin of Inner Mongolia grassland, which is of important theoretical significance for the ecological protection and regional water resources development and utilization in the inland river basin of Inner Mongolia grassland. [Methods] The inland river basin of Inner Mongolia grassland was taken as the research area. Based on multi-source remote sensing, climate, meteorology, hydrology and other data, the temporal and spatial evolution and driving factors of hydrological cycle elements in the basin were analyzed by trend test, significance test and correlation analysis. [Results] (1) The evapotranspiration of the basin showed a significant upward trend (0.994 mm/a), the precipitation showed a significant downward trend (1.965 mm/a), and the soil moisture showed an increasing trend. (2) The vegetation in the growing season generally showed an increasing trend. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), gross primary productivity (GPP) and leaf area index (LAI) showed a ladder-like spatial distribution pattern of high level in the east and low level in the west, and the temperature showed an overall upward trend. (3) Vegetation change was positively correlated with evapotranspiration (ET) and soil moisture (SSM). There was a significant positive correlation between temperature and evapotranspiration (R= 0.699, p=0.01), and the spatial correlation increased from west to east. There was a negative correlation between temperature and runoff, and a significant negative correlation with soil moisture in the east and west of the basin. [Conclusion] The hydrological cycle variables (precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, runoff) increased with the increase of vegetation. Precipitation, soil moisture and runoff decreased with the increase of temperature, and evapotranspiration increased with the increase of temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitatively assessing the carrying capacity of water and land resources systems in arid and semi-arid areas is crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. In this work, taking Yulin City in China as a case study and employing the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method, a modified model of coupling degree was developed to evaluate the carrying capacity of water and land resources systems endowment and utilization, as well as their coupling coordination degree from 2013 to 2020. Our findings indicate that the water and land resources of Yulin are diminishing due to declines in agriculture, higher industrial water use, and wetland shrinkage. However, reallocating domestic water for ecological sustainability and reducing sloping farmland can mitigate this trend of decline. Temporally, as the coupling coordination between water and land resources system endowment in Yulin continuously improved, the coupling coordination between water and land resources system utilization first decreased and then increased with 2016 as the turning point. Spatially, the carrying capacity of water and land resources systems, the coupling coordination degree between water and land resources system endowment, and the coupling coordination degree between water and land resources system utilization in Yulin exhibited the same pattern of being higher in the six northern counties than in the six southern counties. Improving the water resources endowment is vital for the highly efficient use of water and land resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]