Jun Niu

Terrestrial hydrological responses to precipitation variability in Southwest China with emphasis on drought

Abstract This study investigates the terrestrial hydrological processes during a dry climate period in Southwest China by analysing the frequency-dependent runoff and soil moisture responses to precipitation variability. Two headwater sub-basins, the Nanpan and Guihe basins of the West River (Xijiang), are studied to compare and contrast the terrestrial responses. The variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model is used to simulate the hydrological processes. Using wavelets, the relationships between observed precipitation and simulated runoff/soil moisture are expressed quantitatively. The results indicate that: (a) the Guihe basin shows a greater degree of high-frequency runoff variability in response to regional precipitation; and (b) the Nanpan basin exhibits less capability in accommodating/smoothing extreme precipitation deficits, reflected in terms of both higher scale-averaged (for 3–6 months) and time-averaged (for the year 1963) wavelet power of soil moisture. Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Associate editor C.-Y. Xu Citation Niu, J. and Chen, J., 2013. Terrestrial hydrological responses to precipitation variability in Southwest China with emphasis on drought. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 59 (2), 325–335.

Water Resources of Mainland China

With a population of approximately 1.37 billion in 2010, mainland China has experienced rapid socioeconomic development since the late 1970s, resulting in a dramatic increase in water demand. Because precipitation has vast spatial and temporal variations, for some geographic regions in mainland China, water resources have become a key factor for sustaining development. Along with climate, the security of water resources may further restrain mainland China’s sustainable socioeconomic development. This chapter provides an overview of the status of water resources, examines the major issues concerning the quantity and quality of water resources, explores possible influences of climate on the security of water resources, and discusses strategies and measures for tackling the vulnerability of water resources in mainland China.