Effects of Urbanization on the water cycle in the Shiyang River Basin: Based on stable isotope method

Abstract

Abstract. The water cycle has been hampered by urban development and the changes it has made to natural surfaces, especially in arid regions with scarce water supplies. Urbanization has a significant hydrological impact because of the high water demands of urban populations and economic factors. We set up an observational system close to Wuwei City, which is situated in the Shiyang River Basin, to research the effects of urbanization on isotope dynamics within the basin. We sought to clarify any perceptible changes in isotopic patterns by the methodical collecting and analysis of water samples from various water sources. According to our research, landscape dams in urban areas have a substantial impact on the evaporation and penetration of surface water. We have also observed a weaker connection between precipitation, surface water, and groundwater in urban areas, as compared to non-urban regions. Also, our research has demonstrated that metropolitan areas have a quicker catchment cycle and a quicker conversion of rainfall to runoff. These results have important ramifications for managing water resources and urban planning since they offer important insight into the hydrological dynamics of urban areas. In dry regions, where care must be made to the loss of water resources owing to landscape dam evaporation, the barrier impact of urbanization on water body connection is particularly severe.