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Simulating the hydrologic impacts of land-cover and climate changes in a semi-arid watershed
Citation:
Chen, H., S. Tong, H. Yang, AND J. Yang. Simulating the hydrologic impacts of land-cover and climate changes in a semi-arid watershed. Hydrological Sciences Journal. IAHS LIMITED, Oxford, Uk, 60(10):1739-1758, (2015).
Impact/Purpose:
Communication of scientific research results to technical community on hydrological impacts on climate change
Description:
Changes in climate and land cover are principal variables affecting watershed hydrology. This paper uses a cell-based model to examine the hydrologic impacts of climate and land cover changes in the semi-arid Lower Virgin River (LVR) watershed located upstream of Lake Mead, Nevada. The cell-based model is developed by considering direct runoff based on the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method and surplus runoff based on the Thornthwaite’s water balance theory. After calibration and validation, the model is used to predict LVR discharge under future climate and land cover changes. The hydrologic simulation results reveal climate change as the dominant factor and land cover change as a secondary factor in regulating future river discharge. The combined effects of climate and land cover changes will slightly increase river discharge in summer but substantillay decrease discharge in winter. This impact on water resources deserves attention in climate change adaptation planning.
