Climate change and watershed alterations lead to significant streamflow decrease.
The study looked at how changes in climate and the landscape of the Huangshui River basin in China have affected the amount of water flowing in the river. They found that the streamflow in the basin has decreased slightly over time. This decrease is mainly due to changes in the characteristics of the watershed, such as vegetation and soil, which account for about three-quarters of the reduction. Climate change, including changes in precipitation and evaporation, also plays a role in the decrease, but to a lesser extent. Overall, the study shows that both natural factors and human activities can impact the amount of water in rivers, which is important for managing water resources effectively.