Effects of water level fluctuations on Vallisneria nana in the Burnett River in Southeast Queensland,Australia

Changes in aquatic macrophyte populations in the Burnett River in southeast Queensland, Australia are described with respect to the effects of water level fluctuations and possible impact on the Queensland lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri). This protected fish relies on macrophyte beds as spawning and nursery areas. Studies were conducted prior to, during and following construction of a new weir on the river. Comparative results of impounded and non‐impounded sites were conducted to investigate seasonal and inter‐annual changes in macrophytes and the effects of both a rapid rise in water level when the impoundment first filled and a decline, on new plants in shallow water. Macrophyte communities in newly inundated areas were studied to determine the time taken for seedlings to emerge and reach a cover sufficient to represent spawning habitats for the lungfish. Vallisneria nana dominated the macrophyte beds, which were scoured from the river by a large flow event in May 1998, the effects of which persisted for at least 1 year. Most newly emerging seedlings of Vallisneria perished following a small decline of 7 cm in water level. Decrease in plant biomass and death of established plants in highly turbid water resulted within 6–9 weeks following larger water level rises of 4.0–5.5 m in the new impoundment. In the period leading up to the lungfish‐spawning season at least 5 months is required for submerged plants to reach the 90% cover preferred for spawning. Implications of the results for water level management and lungfish populations are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

黄河流域灌溉发展成就与前景

人民治黄５０年来，黄河流域（包括下游引黄灌区）灌溉事业得了迅速发展，截止１９９４年年底，全流域灌溉面积已发展到７３１万ｈｍ＾３因灌溉年净增产粮食１２０亿ｋｇ。全河灌溉技术发展迅速，在井渠结合治理盐碱地、灌区泥沙处理、节水灌溉、高气程灌溉等方面取得了突出成绩。随着灌区的开发与建设，管理水平不断提高，计划用水、水费征收、计量供水等管理措施的应用，保证了灌效益的充分发挥和灌区自身经济实力的壮大。分析认为     

不同生物联合对滇池草海水质的净化作用

为了解不同沉水植物种植密度、不同沉水植物组合、沉水植物和鲫组合对滇池草海富营养化水体的净化效果,于2017年9—12月在滇池草海东风坝试验平台,选取4种滇池现存土著沉水植物(篦齿眼子菜(Stuckenia pectinata)、轮叶黑藻(Hydrilla verticillata)、穗花狐尾藻(Myriophyllum spicatum)、马来眼子菜(Potamogeton wrightii))、1种鱼(鲫(Carassius auratus))进行不同组合模拟试验。结果表明:种植密度为(0.63±0.06)g/L的篦齿眼子菜和轮叶黑藻对于TP的去除效果明显优于(0.33±0.05)g/L的种植密度;不同沉水植物组合均能够提高水体中的氮磷比,对草海富营养化水体的TN、TP、Chl-a具有明显的去除效果,试验组TN、TP、Chl-a的平均去除率分别提高了49.67%、9.06%、39.41%;鲫对于轮叶黑藻和篦齿眼子菜的生长具有明显的促进作用,加入鲫的穗花狐尾藻和马来眼子菜组合TN去除率提高了87.48%,且试验结束后,水体TN、TP去除效果稳定;沉水植物组合中,穗花狐尾藻和轮叶黑藻在高营养盐水体中生长状况最好,同时能有效控制水体中的TN、TP和Chl-a的质量浓度;鲫+穗花狐尾藻+马来眼子菜组合对草海富营养化水体的SS、TN、TP、Chl-a都具有较高的去除能力。     

Trends in water quality and algal growth in shallow Frisian lakes,The Netherlands

About 20 shallow lakes form, together with interconnected canals, one hydrological water system in the province of Friesland. Total water surface area meets 14,000 ha, of which the lakes cover 10,000 ha. The regional catchment area is about 305,000 ha. In summer periods inflow of water from Lake Ilsselmeer keeps the system on a constant water table of 0.52 m below sea level.At the end of the sixties the lakes became hypertrophic. Algae were dominating the biocenoses and submerged water plants disappeared. Systematic investigations started in 1970, and biological data were included from 1976 on. During twenty years a stable, but highly eutrophic situation, passed. Blue-green algae, especially Oscillatoria agardhii, were dominating the phytoplankton. Submerged vegetation was absent and bream dominated the fish-stock.From 1991 onwards there is a slight improvement in water quality. Transparency increased, phosphorus concentration and algal biomass decreased. Also a shift in phytoplankton species occurred. Dominance of O. agardhii decreased and species diversity increased. First submerged water plants recovered in 1994. Improvements are induced by a combination of measures and a culmination of small effects. Results of 14 years of water quality research are presented. Results are given as trends in time. Attention is paid to the spatial gradient in the province as well. From south to north the chain-arranged lakes represent a remarkable pattern of increasing trophtc state, caused by regional loading of nutrients.     

Effects of Water Level Fluctuations on Spawning Habitat of an Endangered Species,the Australian Lungfish (Neoceratodus Forsteri)

The Australian lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri is an endangered native fish species currently protected under federal and international agreements. The impoundment of riverine habitats by water storages has substantially decreased the availability of dense beds of macrophyte (e.g. Vallisneria nana) in shallow water, the preferred spawning habitat of Australian lungfish. Storage management, such as storage drawdown and maintaining storages at specific levels, may impede establishment and development of dense macrophyte beds, although the effects of storage operation on macrophytes are poorly understood. Storage bathymetry and modelled stream data were used to examine the impact of water level changes (frequency and magnitude) on V. nana habitat within storages and associated riverine areas. Three storages located within the natural range of the Australian lungfish in the Burnett River (Ben Anderson Barrage, Ned Churchward Weir and Paradise Dam) were found to provide limited potential for V. nana habitat when at the full supply level. Furthermore, water storages within the distribution of Australian lungfish fluctuate by ±1 m more frequently in comparison to associated riverine environments. These frequent water level fluctuations challenge the establishment of dense macrophyte beds required for lungfish spawning. Since aquatic macrophytes and streamflow play an integral role in lungfish spawning, management of water storages should focus on releases to the downstream reaches. These releases should mimic natural flow and water temperature regimes to allow establishment and growth of V. nana beds in synchrony with the timing of Australian lungfish spawning. Riverine reaches downstream of storages have the greatest potential for restoration of macrophyte beds. © 2014 Queensland Government, Department of Natural Resources and Mines. River Research and Applications © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Regeneration of Submerged Macrophyte Populations in a Disturbed Lake Ontario Coastal Marsh

Previous studies in disturbed Great Lakes coastal marshes have determined that seed banks for submerged macrophytes tend to be depauperate if not absent. This was thought to be a major factor that would prevent the regeneration of macrophyte populations under improved conditions, so the transfer of seed or adult plants from healthy wetlands within the same region has been recommended as a restoration strategy. Cootes Paradise is a large, disturbed coastal marsh with a poor seed bank for submerged plants. In this report a large increase in submerged macrophyte population densities following the reduction of carp (Cyprinus carpio) densities from approximately 700 kg/ha in 1996 to 50 kg/ha in 1997 is documented. Much of this regeneration occurred in areas devoid of aquatic vegetation in 1996. It was determined that these plants developed from vegetative structures buried in the sediment. It is recommended that detailed surveys of both seed and vegetative propagule banks be undertaken before assessing the likelihood of the recovery of submerged macrophyte communities in disturbed coastal marshes.     

冰川亏损对哈拉湖流域湖泊水位波动的影响

青藏高原的内陆湖泊水位和冰川变化和其流域内冰川质量亏损对湖泊水位波动的影响及其贡献对水量平衡研究具有重要意义。以哈拉湖流域冰川为例,基于2000-2015年星载雷达测高资料和Landsat卫星多光谱遥感资料分别提取湖泊水位和面积变化;结合附近的托勒台站气象观测资料,进一步分析其水位波动变化原因和冰川亏损对湖泊水量贡献。结果表明:受年降水量和夏季降水量增加影响,哈拉湖水位呈增加趋势,但哈拉湖流域冰川亏损加速趋势不明显;与2000年相比,湖泊面积增加了(21.4±4.8)km~2,湖泊水位增加了(1.68±0.26)m,相应的湖泊水容量增加了(16.1±0.3)×10~8m~3水当量。流域冰川亏损量达对哈拉湖水量的贡献率为39.65%,降水量增加对湖泊水量贡献了22.82%。     

Density and distribution of epiphytic invertebrates on emergent macrophytes in a floodplain billabong

The abundance of epiphytic invertebrates living on both submerged and emergent macrophytes in lentic systems is influenced by a range of environmental features at both spatial and temporal scales. Such features include water chemistry, habitat complexity, hydrology and external influences such as climatic cycles. Dugays 2 billabong is a floodplain lake on the highly regulated, mid‐upper Murray River in southeastern Australia. Giant rush (Juncus ingens N.A. Wakefield) is the dominant habitat feature in this billabong. This plant is a simple, single‐stemmed, densely packed emergent macrophyte that fringes the littoral margins. The macrophyte habitat available to epiphytic invertebrates in this billabong is highly variable through time largely due to the variable water levels imposed by the regulated river channel for downstream irrigation needs, particularly through summer. To investigate both spatial and temporal patterns in the epiphytic invertebrates of Dugays 2 billabong, invertebrates were sampled within giant rush stands on five occasions over one year. Spatial variability in epifaunal density was generally low, while temporal densities were highly variable through time. Spatial patterns of invertebrate abundance revealed few associations with habitat structure or water quality, apart from those associated with water depth, particularly when sampling had been preceded by fluctuating water levels. High temporal variability in assemblage structure of the epifauna reflects the high background environmental variation that occurs in this system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Lake restoration in Denmark

Lake restoration in Denmark has involved the use of several different restoration techniques, all aiming to improve lake water quality and establishing clear‐water conditions. The most frequently used method, now used in more than 20 lakes, is the reduction of zooplanktivorous and benthivorous fish (especially roach (Rutilus rutilus) and bream (Abramis brama)) with the objective of improving the growth conditions for piscivores, large‐sized zooplankton species, benthic algae and submerged macrophytes. Piscivore stocking (mainly Esox lucius (pike)), aiming especially at reducing the abundance of young‐of‐the‐year fish, has been used in more than 10 lakes and frequently as a supplement to fish removal. Hypolimnetic oxidation, with oxygen and nitrate, has been undertaken in a few stratified lakes and sediment dredging, with the purpose of diminishing the internal phosphorus loading, has been experimented with in one large, shallow lake. Submerged macrophyte implantation has been conducted in some of the biomanipulated lakes to increase macrophyte abundance and distribution. Overall, the results from lake restoration projects, in the mainly shallow Danish lakes, show that external nutrient loading must be reduced to a level below 0.05–0.1 mg P L^–1 under equilibrium conditions to gain permanent effects on lake water quality. By using fish removal, at least 80% of the fish stock should be removed over a period of not more than 1–2 years to obtain a substantial effect on lower trophic levels and to avoid regrowth of the remaining fish stock. Stocking of piscivores requires high densities (>0.1 individuals m^–2) if an impact on the plankton level is to be obtained and stocking should be repeated yearly until a stable clear‐water state is reached. The experiments with hypolimnetic oxygenation and sediment dredging confirm that internal phosphorus loading can be reduced. Experience from macrophyte implantation experiments indicates that protection against grazing by herbivorous waterfowl may be useful in the early phase of recolonization.     

近20年黄河流域陆表水域面积时空变化特征研究

黄河流域生态保护和高质量发展是国家重大战略之一。开展陆表水域的动态变化监测,有助于掌握黄河流域水资源分布与变化状况,对于了解人类活动对水资源的影响,保障流域生态安全具有重要意义。本文基于Landsat数据提取2000—2019年黄河流域陆表水域分布,分析了黄河流域陆表水域面积的动态变化状况,结果表明:(1)流域陆表水域空间分布不均衡,上游陆表水域面积占流域陆表水域总面积的60.3%、中下游占39.7%,其中青海省和内蒙古自治区的陆表水域面积占比最高,分别占40.3%和17.0%;(2)近20年间,流域陆表水域面积总体呈增加趋势,增幅约为49.0%,其中上游地区对流域陆表水域总面积增加的贡献度最大,达到47.7%,中游地区贡献度次之,为42.7%,下游地区贡献度较小,只有9.6%;(3)从流域来看,渭河和汾河流域的陆表水域面积增加较为明显,2000—2019年期间,分别扩大了113.17 km²和55.75 km²,增幅约为139.9%和152.4%。     

Environmental Factors Influencing Macrophytes Assemblages in a Middle‐Sized Mediterranean Stream

The occurrence of aquatic plants was analysed in a medium‐sized river in Greece. There were three objectives. The first was to examine the macrophyte assemblage structure along the river. The identification and hierarchical structure of aquatic plant assemblages were analyzed using Bray–Curtis analysis. Taxa primarily responsible for the differences among the assemblages were identified using similarity percentage analysis. The second objective was to investigate whether habitat features have greater impact on aquatic plant assemblages than chemical parameters. Partial canonical correspondence analysis was used for partitioning the total variation of the biological response. The third objective was to further explore the relationships between hydrophytes (water‐supported plants) richness and water quality using linear regression model. The results showed that from the 86 macrophyte taxa recorded, the 25 were found to be primarily responsible for the differences among the macrophytic assemblages. Both geomorphological and physicochemical variables proved to be significant in the Monte Carlo permutation test. The 14 out of 19 geomorphological variables were statistically significant (p<0.004) and included in the final canonical correspondence analysis model. From physicochemical variables, temperature, conductivity and water velocity were significant predictors of species distribution. Total macrophyte variation was divided into portions: (i) explained exclusively by geomorphological variables (34%); (ii) explained exclusively by physicochemical variables (3%); (iii) explained by both variables (52%); and (iv) unexplained (4%). Partitioning clearly revealed that macrophyte assemblage structure was strongly associated with geomorphological features. Τhe results indicated that hardness, DO and chl‐a play a more prominent role in hydrophyte species richness at community level. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Submerged macrophyte communities and the controlling factors in large,shallow Lake Taihu (China): Sediment distribution and water depth

Lake Taihu, the third largest lake in China, is subjected to severe eutrophication and cyanobacterial blooms as a result of development and urbanization. In order to restore the degraded lake ecosystem, it is important to identify which environmental factors control the submerged macrophytes which declined during eutrophication. To characterize community structure of submerged macrophytes and to assess the plant–environmental relationships in Lake Taihu, a monthly investigation was conducted from May to October in 2010. A total of six species were recorded, dominated by Potamogeton malaianus and Vallisneria natans. Multivariate analysis showed that water depth, depth of soft sediments and nutrient variables (orthophosphate of water, organic matter of sediment, total nitrogen and total phosphorus of sediment) were the major factors determining growth and community composition of submerged macrophytes in the lake. A strong predictive association of soft-sediment depth and plant biomass indicated preference of submerged macrophytes for firm bottoms along the eastern shore and approximately 0.2 m could be regarded as an optimum depth for the growth of plants. The biomass of plants responded proportionately to water depth, and approximately 1.8 m could be regarded as the optimum depth for the growth of submerged macrophyte in Lake Taihu. Our results indicated that improvement of habitat and the selection of appropriate submerged macrophytes species are very important for ecological restoration in large eutrophic lakes. This study could provide useful information for managers and policy makers to evaluate and modify restoration practices in large, shallow lakes.     

The responses of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Lake Wamala (Uganda) to changing climatic conditions

Changes in the catches of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758), in Lake Wamala (Uganda) have been observed since its introduction. The factors contributing to these changes, however, are not well understood. This study examined changes in species composition, size structure, size at first maturity, length–weight relationship and condition factor of Nile tilapia in Lake Wamala, in relation to changes in temperature, rainfall and lake depth, to provide a better understanding of the possible role of changing climatic conditions. There was an increase in the minimum, maximum and average temperatures since 1980, but only the minimum (0.021 °C year^?1) and average temperatures (0.018 °C year^?1) exhibited a significant trend (P < 0.05). Rainfall increased by 8.25 mm year^?1 since 1950 and accounted for 79.5% of the water input into the lake during the period 2011–2013, while evaporation accounted for 86.2% of the water loss from the lake. The lake depth was above 4 m during the years when the rainfall exceeded the average of 1180 mm, except after 2000. The contribution of Nile tilapia to total fish catch and catch per unit effort (CPUE) increased with rainfall and lake depth up to the year 2000, after which they decreased, despite an increased rainfall level. The lake depth was positively correlated with the average total length and length at 50% maturity (r = 0.991 and 0.726, respectively), while the slopes of the length–weight relationships differed significantly between high and low lake depths [t₍₆₎ = 3.225, P < 0.05]. Nile tilapia shifted from an algal‐dominated diet during the wet season to include more insects during the dry season. The results of this study indicate Nile tilapia in Lake Wamala displays a typical r‐selected reproductive strategy, by growing to a small size, maturing faster and feeding on different food types, in order to survive high mortality rates under unfavourable conditions attributable to higher temperatures, low rainfall and low lake water levels.     

Spatio‐temporal variation of gross CO2 and CH4 diffusive emissions from Australian reservoirs and natural aquatic ecosystems,and estimation of net reservoir emissions

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) diffusive emissions were measured during two field surveys in Queensland and Tasmania, Australia, using the floating chamber method. Bubbling and degassing emissions in 2010 were estimated in Koombooloomba Dam reservoir using only inverted funnels and gas concentrations, respectively. A total of 14 reservoirs and 16 rivers and lakes were sampled from 2006 to 2010. Spatial variation was substantial within each water body, as well as between them. The main drivers of diffusive emission variation were physiographic region and climate, with a clear demarcation being observed between diffusive emissions from tropical Queensland and temperate Tasmania, and between the humid West Coast Range (Tasmania) and dry Central Plateau (Tasmania). Higher CO₂ and CH₄ diffusive emissions were observed during the dry season, when long water residence times would promote organic matter degradation. Estimated total gross emissions, including diffusive, bubbling and degassing emissions, for Koombooloomba Dam reservoir were about 1.5 × 10⁶ t CO₂eq km² per year, or 24 × 10⁶ t CO₂eq per year. This corresponds to a plant emission factor of 3.18 kg CO₂eq MWh^?1. Using an estimate of terrestrial emissions derived from literature data for the Tully River catchment area, rough estimated net emissions from the catchment area are about 44 kt CO₂eq per year, or 5.83 kg CO₂eq MWh^?1, which is in the lower range of the studied reservoirs.     

The environmental status of a Kashmir Himalayan wetland game reserve: Aquatic plant communities and eco-restoration measures

The data (November 2000 – October 2001) are presented on environmental status, hydrology, sedimentation rate, water quality and macrophytic community architecture of an important game reserve (Hokersar Wetland) in the Kashmir Himalayan valley. Of the total water input, 91% was contributed from surface inlets and just 9% through precipitation. Of the total surface water output, 67% occurred through outlets while evapotranspiration and other losses accounted for 33%. The net annual sediment accumulation was principally a function of suspended load carried by Doodganga inlet. The ecosystem supports diverse aquatic plant communities (emergents, rooted–floating leaf type, free‐floating leaf type, submersed type) marked by striking variability in composition, frequency and extent of colonization. Several ecological factors, such as habitat loss related to siltation, pollution, expanding agricultural activities and drastic hydrological fluctuations, have induced considerable changes in the dynamics and distribution pattern of sustained biota. The shift in macrophytic community structure is evidenced by the decline of Nelumbio nucifera and the near‐disappearance of some economically important plants (Euryale ferox, Acorus calamus). The shrinkage of the wetland area, once spread over 1800 ha, by ≈28% is a cause for environmental concern. The paper highlights the rapidly deteriorating environmental status of the Kashmir Himalayan Hokersar Wetland game reserve and stresses the need for its urgent ecological restoration.     

Restoration of small lakes through cooperative management: A suitable strategy for poverty‐laden areas in developing countries?

Lake Rupa is a small, subtropical, shallow lake with a surface area of 100 ha situated 600 m a.s.l. in Central Himalaya, Nepal. This degraded lake was studied between 2000 and 2006, with the goal of determining whether or not it could be restored by a community‐based cooperative of local people living in its catchment. Main threats to the lake, its aquatic life and its very existence include encroachment by excessive aquatic vegetation, sedimentation, and low in‐lake concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO). Small lakes (≤ 500 ha) are relatively prone to the process of ‘succession and climax’, although they also can be of social, environmental and ecological importance. Thus, their disappearance could spark social chaos and disorder in areas already having to cope with other rapid environmental changes. This means that credible mechanisms for revitalizing or protecting small lakes are an important goal. Accordingly, a lake cooperative of 329 households living in close vicinity to Lake Rupa was formed in 2002, by prioritizing traditional fishers, women and other deprived community members with the goals of respecting the citizenry and equity. Following the cooperative's campaigns directed at weed removal and fish stocking, encroachment of vegetation on the lake margins was halted, its aquatic weeds became under control, and its fisheries improved. In addition to the cooperative's restoration activities, several water quality parameters, including water transparency and DO and chlorophyll‐a concentrations, were monitored on a monthly basis. The measured water transparency was inconsistent, exhibiting large variations between 2000 and 2003. Relatively low, but consistent, values, however, were measured after 2004. The results imply that the removal of weeds, and sufficient nutrients and solar radiation are subsequently available to the lake's phytoplankton communities. Supporting this notion is that the chlorophyll‐a concentration spiked to 205 µg L⁻¹ in November 2006, the water transparency became consistent, and the DO concentration increased to >3.8 mg L⁻¹ during the critical months (March–May) after 2004. These water quality indicators indicated improvement in the degraded Lake Rupa, suggesting that the establishment of cooperatives such as that highlighted in this study could be a powerful and sustainable mechanism for restoring degraded lakes in similar socioeconomic settings by maintaining equity, by connecting communities with their resources, and by facilitating integrity, equity, citizenry and social justice.     

沉水植物苦草对上覆水各形态磷浓度的影响

沉水植物是影响湖泊磷营养状态的重要因素。在室内模拟了"水-苦草-沉积物"生态系统,在沉水植物苦草生长过程中分析上覆水中的总磷(TP)、溶解性总磷(TDP)、溶解性有机磷(DOP)、溶解性活性磷(SRP)、颗粒态总磷(PP)的变化,探讨了苦草对上覆水磷赋存形态的影响。结果表明,苦草在生长过程中减缓了沉积物磷的相对释放速率使上覆水中TP、SRP、DOP、PP均呈现不同程度的下降。上覆水TP、SRP、DOP、PP分别下降了37.5%、74.6%、42.0%、19.5%;苦草主要通过吸收上覆水和间隙水中的磷及对环境因子的影响,使得上覆水中各形态磷浓度保持在较低的水平,降低沉积物向水体释放磷的速率。     

Growth,mortality and stock status of mullets (Mugilidae) in Chilika Lake,India

The growth, mortality and stock status of grey mullets Chelon parsia (Ham. 1822), Chelon planiceps (Val. 1836) and Mugil cephalus (Linn. 1758) were investigated during December 2010 to November 2011 from Chilika Lake, Asia, largest brackish water lake. The length‐based analysis, using length frequency data collected from fish landing centres, formed the basic study methodology. Growth function and population parameters were studied using FAO ‐ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools‐II (FiSAT ‐II ). The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF ) was established as L _t  = 321 mm*(1 ? exp (‐0.98 year^?1 × (t + 0.085 year)) for C. parsia , L _t  = 315 mm × (1 ? exp (?0.80 year^?1 × (t  + 0.105 year)) for C. planiceps and L _t  = 700 mm*(1 ? exp (?0.70 year^?1*(t  + 0.097 year)) for M. cephalus . Lower K and higher L _∞ values for M. cephalus indicated slow growth and high longevity of the species, compared to other grey mullets. Length–weight relationships were derived, indicating isometric growth for grey mullets. Recruitment of mullets was observed throughout the year, with a peak during April–July. About 50% of the mullets were caught by fishing gear before reaching their first year of age. The level of exploitation (E  ≥ 0.60) was more than the optimum level (E  = 0.4 for pelagic stock), indicating overexploitation of grey mullets in Chilika Lake. Moreover, the average annual yields of three mullets were observed to be higher than the estimated maximum sustainable yields (MSY ), also indicating overharvesting of mullets. Thus, the mullets could be considered one of the highly overexploited resources in Chilika Lake. The findings of this study will facilitate the development of appropriate management strategies for the mullet fishery in Chilika Lake.     

Patterns of Lake Balkhash water level changes and their climatic correlates during 1992–2010 period

The variation in Lake Balkhash water levels during the period from 1992 to 2010 and their relationship with climate dynamics were investigated in this study, using satellite altimetry data and meteorological records from climate stations located in the lake catchment basin. The altimetry‐derived water level demonstrated a general water level increase, reaching a mean value of 8.1 cm year^?1 in July 2005, with a maximum value of 342.52 m. The increased Lake Balkhash water level was accompanied by an overall upward trend in precipitation and temperature in the catchment basin during the study period. A strong increase in the winter and spring temperature was the main contributor to the general upward temperature trend, whereas a significant change of summer and autumn precipitation was the major contributor to the annual precipitation trend. Neither precipitation nor temperature increased uniformly across the entire lake drainage basin. The study results identified the most pronounced climate change occurring in the mountainous part (>2000 m above sea level) of the basin, in the upper reaches of the Ili river, which is the main water inflow to the lake. Statistical analysis indicated the Lake Balkhash water level is strongly correlated with both precipitation and temperature. The correlations were investigated for three altitudinal strata (<1000 m, 1000–2000 m, >2000 m) corresponding to the lower, middle and upper reaches of the Ili river. The best correlations were obtained for the upper reaches of the Ili river, indicating a changing snow cover and glacier equilibrium are the main factors controlling the water level trends in Lake Balkhash.     

Water use characteristics and impact factors in the Yellow River basin,China

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the water use characteristics and impact factors in the Yellow River basin. Water use increased from 1980 to 2000 and then stabilized. Water use in the eight regions of the basin varies significantly in both time and space. Water use in different sectors is sensitive to variations in the irrigation area, industrial added value, efficiency, population and urbanization. Change trends are the results of the joint effects of supply-and-demand relationship and water policy. Water use is insensitive to precipitation, because irrigation mainly relies on river water and groundwater.