ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON HYDROLOGICAL AND SEDIMENT CHANGES (1953-2000) IN NINE MAJOR CATCHMENTS OF THE LOESS PLATEAU, CHINA
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The Range of Variability Approach (RVA) is employed to investigate the variability and spatial patterns of hydrological and sediment changes (1953-2000) induced by intensified human activities, i.e. the implementation of water and soil conservation measures, in nine major catchments of the Loess Plateau, China. Results indicate that: (1) streamflow and sediment load regimes were greatly changed by the implementation of conservation measures; (2) similar spatial patterns of high hydrological and sediment changes resulting from the intensive implementation of conservation measures are observed in most catchments of the middle Yellow River. However, slightly different behaviours of changes exist due to the unique complexity of hydrological and sediment processes in this region and (3) the impacts of various conservation measures on hydrological and sediment processes are closely associated with the extent and types of these measures. Engineering works have a quite immediate impact on streamflow and sediment regimes. Considerable vegetation controls are recognized as additional important driving forces for high hydrological and sediment alterations among various soil conservation measures. Invegetation controls, afforestation is the major factor causing the changes of runoff and sediment processes in these nine catchments. The results of the current study will be greatly beneficial to the regional water resources management and restoration of eco-environmental system in the middle Yellow River basin characterized by intensified soil-conservation measures under the changing environment. 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
