Impacts of changing conditions on the ecological environment of the Shiyang River Basin, China

Abstract The effect of climate change and human activities on water resources, glaciers, land use/cover has been widely studied. Shiyang River Basin is an important natural reserve in the Hexi Corridor Gansu Province. Global warming have led to extreme ecological changes this region. Exploring response environment a changing for studying sustainable development fragile basin. meteorological data study was obtained from China Meteorological Data Service Center, average temperature precipitation were acquired four stations. By investigating watershed social Basin, corresponding glacial surface landscape patterns, anthropogenic factors basin under analysed. results show that different seasons increased past 60 years, inclination rate air 0.56 °C/10a. In addition, slightly at 0.737 mm/10a. Natural conditions reduced supply meltwater Qilian Mountains, regulation snow downstream rivers poor. distribution production each river similar precipitation. runoff modulus deep mountain area greater than shallow mountainous area. western region larger eastern region, rationalisation use structure decisive optimising pattern spatial evolution vegetation cover generally stable; combined action activities, resources are reducing, shifting high risk Basin. Among influencing factors, play dominant role variation Climate unregulated main causes regional environmental deterioration. findings can contribute understanding coupling relationship between process inland arid zone. Further, exploring trend help determine adaptation countermeasures mitigate deterioration ensure ecologically areas.