Effect of LUCC on runoff regulation in watershed in loess gullied-hilly region of China

• By using the measurement technique of dynamic hydrological process and the estimation method of landscape ecology, the effect of LUCC (Land Use-Cover Change) on runoff regulation in the Luoyugou watershed, located at loess gullied-hilly region of China, in the period from 1986 to 2004 was studied. The results show that the impact of LUCC on runoff regulation is significant due to the increase of forest vegetation coverage and terracing of the land on the slopes. The capacity of runoff yield will be reduced due to the optimal adjustment of land use structures and the increase of forest vegetation in any time scales, including single precipitation event, the period of rainfall season and in the whole year. The reduction percentages of average annual runoff coefficient in rich rainfall year, normal rainfall year and poor rainfall year in the latter land use period from 1995 to 2004 are approximately 51%, 85%, 84% respectively comparing with those in the former land use period from 1986 to 1994. Besides, if neglecting the influence of precipitation amount, the predicted runoff coefficient for latter period decreases by about 63% comparing with those in former period. In addition, the impact of LUCC on runoff exhibits seasonal characteristics and the peak flood amount decreases with the optimal adjustment of land use structures. Although the impact of increasing forest vegetation coverage on the capacity of runoff amount is lager than that of changing land use type from slopping farmland to terrace, both measures must be adopted for fulfilling the requirements of land resources sustainable utilization in Loess gullied-hilly region.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Annan naturresursteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Other Environmental Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Frequency distribution

Land consolidation

Loess gullied-hilly region

Optimal adjustment of land use structure

Runoff coefficient

Spatial transition of land use type

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)