Application of the InVEST model to quantify the annual water yield of Yellow River Basin

Ural Federal University, 620002, Ekaterinburg, Russia

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Abstract

Ecosystem services encompass the direct and indirect contributions of natural systems to human societal well-being. Among these, hydrological services play a critical role in maintaining ecosystem health, supporting agricultural production, and ensuring water supply. The Yellow River Basin, characterized by its unique geographical and climatic attributes, confronts challenges including uneven water resource distribution, frequent floods, and droughts. This study aims to evaluate the annual water yield in the Yellow River Basin for the year 2020 utilizing the InVEST model. It analyzes how precipitation, land use, and evapotranspiration influence water resource distribution. The findings indicate that the annual water yield in the basin amounts to 74.35 billion cubic meters, with higher yields observed in the southwest and southeast regions and the lowest yield in the northwest region. Spatially, water yield positively correlates with precipitation and negatively with evapotranspiration. However, the impact of land cover types on water yield remains subject to debate, underscoring the need for further research to elucidate their specific mechanisms. This study offers an effective methodology for assessing the water resource status of the Yellow River Basin, thereby providing a scientific foundation for basin water resource management.