黄河源区基流时空演变特征及归因分析

Spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and attribution analysis of baseflow in the source region of the Yellow River

  • 摘要: 基流是枯水期河川径流的重要组成部分,利用基流信号研究基流变化特征,对流域水量平衡具有重要作用。以“亚洲水塔”之一的黄河源区为研究对象,通过基流分割、时间序列分析、基流信号等方法,对基流演变特征进行分析。结果表明:(1)黄河源区基流量整体呈增加趋势。与1985—1999年相比,2000—2012年黄河沿和吉迈站基流量增加,玛曲、军功和唐乃亥站基流量减少;但在2013—2020年期间基流量均增加,增幅均超14%。(2)数值型基流信号表现为不显著上升趋势(p>0.05);动态型基流信号方面,军功和唐乃亥站的基流指数最大,其中军功站汛期和非汛期的基流指数分别是0.49、0.46,唐乃亥站分别是0.61、0.60,基流历时曲线斜率与季节变率均呈现由西北向东南增大的趋势,最大值均出现在玛曲站(分别为2.41和4.21)。(3)全球变暖背景下降水和潜在蒸散发是影响基流信号的主要因子。本研究揭示了黄河源区的基流响应特征,可为气候变暖背景下黄河流域的水资源管理及流域可持续发展等相关研究提供理论参考。

     

    Abstract: Baseflow refers to the portion of streamflow that is primarily sustained by groundwater and other delayed flow components. It constitutes a critical part of river discharge and plays an essential role in maintaining streamflow continuity during dry seasons, regulating hydrological processes, and supporting the health of riverine ecosystems. In this study, we focus on the headwaters of the Yellow River—one of the most important components of the so-called “Asian Water Tower”—which are characterized by high elevations, complex hydrogeological conditions, seasonal permafrost, and a fragile ecological environment. By applying baseflow separation techniques, the Mann–Kendall non-parametric trend test, baseflow signatures, and Pearson correlation analysis, a multidimensional analytical framework is constructed to comprehensively assess the temporal dynamics of baseflow over a long-term period. The key findings are as follows: (1) Baseflow volume in the source region of the Yellow River has generally exhibited an increasing trend over the study period. Compared to the reference period of 1985–1999, baseflow during 2000–2012 increased at the Huangheyan and Jimai stations, while it decreased at the Maqu, Jungong, and Tangnaihai stations. From 2013 to 2020, however, all five stations recorded notable increases in baseflow volume, with growth rates exceeding 14% at all stations. All five stations exhibited increasing trends in annual baseflow. Among them, the Jimai station showed a statistically significant upward trend, while the increasing trends at the other four stations were not statistically significant. Tangnaihai showed the highest annual increase (2.3 m3/s), whereas the smallest increase was observed at Huangheyan (0.15 m3/s), indicating spatial heterogeneity in baseflow responses across the basin. Seasonally, baseflow increased significantly at Jimai in spring, autumn, and winter, and in autumn at Huangheyan, whereas no significant seasonal increasing trends were observed at Maqu, Jungong, or Tangnaihai. (2) The magnitude baseflow signatures exhibited an overall increasing trend, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Regarding dynamic baseflow signatures, the highest baseflow index values were observed at the Jungong and Tangnaihai stations, with flood-season and non-flood-season indices of 0.49 and 0.46, and 0.61 and 0.60, respectively. These elevated values are attributed to favorable vegetation cover and the presence of seasonal permafrost, which enhance soil infiltration capacity and thereby promote baseflow generation. In contrast, the Huangheyan station recorded the lowest baseflow index values for both flood and non-flood seasons, likely due to the widespread presence of continuous permafrost, which constrains baseflow processes. Moreover, both the slope of the baseflow duration curve and the seasonal ratio exhibited a spatially increasing trend from northwest to southeast, with the highest values recorded at the Maqu station, reaching 2.41 and 4.21, respectively. (3) The response of baseflow signatures to environmental factors showed significant variability. Magnitude baseflow signatures were positively correlated with precipitation and soil moisture, while exhibiting the strongest negative correlation with potential evapotranspiration. In addition, the selection of monitoring stations, the length of the time series, and the temporal variability of precipitation all contributed to uncertainties in the estimated values of the baseflow index and the seasonal ratio. Due to the influence of anthropogenic factors such as drainage engineering and overgrazing, the source region of the Yellow River has experienced substantial grassland degradation and wetland shrinkage. These environmental changes have led to a marked decline in soil infiltration capacity, thereby weakening the continuity and stability of baseflow. The ability of baseflow to mitigate and delay drought impacts has been considerably reduced. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of hydrological response characteristics in the source region of the Yellow River. It provides a scientific basis for developing effective strategies to address climate change and for optimizing local water resource allocation. Furthermore, the findings have important implications for integrated water resources management and the promotion of sustainable development across the entire Yellow River Basin.

     

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