Evaluation of Minimum and Suitable Ecological Flows of an Inland Basin in China Considering Hydrological Variation

Ecological flows in rivers are critical to the health and stability of river ecosystems, especially for inland drylands where ecological conditions rapidly deteriorating. Climate change human activities lead hydrological variation, which turn alters balance local ecosystems. Therefore, it is important study flow under variation. In this study, second-largest basin China, Hei River Basin, was selected as case study. The heuristic segmentation method, monthly minimum average Lyon driest month frequency method were employed calculate suitable considering Then, results evaluated compared by Tennant method. Finally, recommended Basin after comparison evaluation. Results show that: (1) It necessary feasible demand variation Basin. (2) evaluation mostly at a good level or above, those optimum range. (3) Three scenarios with different periods frequencies set up obtain flow; shows that scenario 3 (50% all months) has best benefits, 2 (frequency taken 75% spring autumn, 50% summer, 80% winter) comprehensive benefits. This can provide reference water resources development utilization protection