Investigating the response characteristics of various hydrological
factors to the construction of water conservancy projects and evaluating
their impact on the ecological environment is crucial for ecological
protection and restoration in the Loess Plateau, China with a complex
environment. In this study, we employed a geomorphology-based
hydrological model to simulate the hydrological elements of the Qinhe
River Basin in the Loess Plateau. Additionally, we explored the response
characteristics of the water cycle and hydrological processes to the
construction of reservoirs in the basin. We also examined multiyear
changes in peak flood volume and sediment discharge during flood seasons
influenced by reservoirs. A thorough evaluation of the simulation
results indicated their reliability. The sub-basins hosting reservoirs
initially showed an increase in evaporation, followed by a decrease.
During the change periods, both runoff and soil water decreased, but
remained higher than the mean values for the basin during the same
period. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index of sub-basins
associated with five reservoirs was significantly higher than the mean
value for the basin during the same period. The peak flood volume and
sediment discharge in the basin were characterized by decreasing trends,
with the latter showing weak sustainability. The value of each index for
a sub-basin associated with a reservoir was higher than the average
value for the basin. The construction and operation of reservoirs had a
positive impact on the ecology of the basin. Water and soil conservation
measures, including sediment regulation and storage using reservoirs,
significantly decreased water-related disasters and soil erosion in the
basin. This study provides a scientific basis for the design of water
conservancy projects and ecological governance in the basin.
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