Analysis of Runoff Changes in the Wei River Basin, China: Confronting Climate Change and Human Activities

Abrupt runoff reduction in the Wei River Basin (WRB) has attracted extensive attention owing to climate change and human activities. Nevertheless, previous studies have inadequately assessed respective contributions of variability activities on different spatial scales. Using Mann–Kendall Pettitt’s methods, this study identified long-term (1970–2018) changes hydro-meteorological variables. Furthermore, Budyko-based method was used quantify influence at scales WRB, including whole three sub-basins, sixteen catchments. The results show that a significant decrease trend within WRB. Runoff almost all catchments showed downward trend. Temperature, potential evapotranspiration, parameter n increases, whereas no precipitation observed. mainly concentrated mid-1990s early 2000s. Anthropogenic produced larger impact WRB (62.8%), sub-basins (53.9% 65.8%), most (–47.0% 147.3%) than change. Dramatic catchment characteristic caused by large-scale were predominant reason Our findings provide comprehensive understanding dominate factors causing contribute water resource management ecosystem health conservation