Inter-annual variation of streamflow, precipitation and evaporation in a small humid watershed (Chengcun Basin, China)

Abstract

For sustainable water resource management, it is important to determine the relationship between streamflow and other variables that influence availability of water resources. However, many catchments do not have sufficient data to allow for a more detailed study of these relationships. We faced a similar challenge in the Chengcun Basin (limited historical data: from 1986–1999); and therefore we used a new approach to overcome this. We found that, using nonparametric trend methods in conjunction with the climate elasticity analyses and the 2D visualization of hydrologic data, it is possible to assess the relationships between streamflow and other hydro-climatic variables. In the past, streamflow trends in the basin were more correlated with precipitation than with potential evapotranspiration (PET). In addition, there is a gradual shift in the hydrological regime of the catchment, which may affect the occurrence of available water resources and activities that depend on them. In addition, based on our climate sensitivity analyses, the streamflow is dependent and more sensitive to variations in precipitation than to PET (δQ=0.79δP+0.42δE; precipitation elasticity, ɛP =1.32; PET elasticity, ɛE =−2.10). Therefore pending more detailed studies, the use of our approach will provide a rapid means to assess the variation of water resources (streamflow) in a watershed. In the future, we hope to carry out related research in other watersheds and also perform a more detailed studies to improve upon the results of this study.