Quantifying the impact of climate change and human activities on the eco-hydrological regimes of the Weihe River Basin, Northwest China

Abstract Climate change and anthropogenic interventions have obviously altered the eco-hydrological regimes. A quantitative evaluation attribution of alterations are urgently required. In this study, we evaluated various attributions regimes in Weihe River Basin (WRB). Firstly, trends change-point analysis hydrological elements were examined, natural streamflow was reproduced based on variable infiltration capacity model. Then, most ecologically relevant indicators (ERHIs) selected combined with eco-deficit eco-surplus to assess degree regime alterations. Finally, relative contributions quantified using ‘simulated–observed comparison’ method. The results showed that (1) WRB exhibited significant decreasing (p < 0.01), a point 0.01) series identified 1990. (2) Seven representative alteration as ERHIs. (3) During human-induced period (1991–2017), human activities dominant factors well variations ERHI indexes metrics. Overall, proposed framework may improve understanding driving forces under changing environment.