Cao et al. (2025) Runoff changes and influencing factors in the Nyang River Basin in Xizang

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Mountain Science
• Year: 2025
• Date: 2025-10-01
• Authors: Liang Cao, Shi Wei Dong, Yuyan Wang, Xingran Li, Pengxi Cao
• DOI: 10.1007/s11629-024-9276-6

Research Groups

• Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Environment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Education, School of Ecology and Environment, Xizang University, Lhasa, China
• Nagqu Mitika, Alpine Wetland Ecosystem, Observation and Research Station of Tibet Autonomous Region, Xizang University, Lhasa, China
• Collaborative Innovation Center for Ecological Civilization of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, Xizang University, Lhasa, China

Short Summary

This study developed and evaluated a large-scale Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrological model for the high-altitude Nyang River Basin, demonstrating its applicability for runoff simulation and identifying key meteorological and geographical factors influencing runoff volume.

Objective

• To construct and evaluate the applicability of a large-scale hydrological Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model for hydrological simulation in the high-altitude Nyang River Basin.
• To analyze the factors affecting runoff volume in the Nyang River Basin.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Nyang River Basin, Xizang (Tibet Autonomous Region, China).
• Temporal Scale: Not explicitly stated, but implies a historical period for runoff analysis, with seasonal (quarterly) breakdowns.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model, Spearman correlation.
• Data sources: China Natural Runoff Grid Point Dataset (CNRD v1.0), meteorological data (temperature, precipitation), soil data, hydrological data.

Main Results

• The VIC model was successfully constructed and its applicability for runoff simulation in the Nyang River Basin was confirmed.
• Calibrated VIC model parameters for the region include: variable infiltration curve parameter = 0.3, Dsmax fraction where non-linear baseflow begins = 0.02, maximum baseflow velocity = 15 mm/d, maximum soil moisture where non-linear baseflow occurred = 0.7, second soil moisture layer thickness = 0.3 meters, and third soil moisture layer thickness = 1.5 meters.
• Surface runoff values in the Nyang River basin showed seasonal variation: 1.05–2.27 mm in the first quarter, 23.46–52.20 mm in the second quarter, 60.59–85.63 mm in the third quarter, and 2.38–4.77 mm in the fourth quarter.
• Watershed area, temperature, and precipitation were identified as significant factors influencing runoff volume in the Nyang River.
• It was observed that in some areas, precipitation and temperature did not exert a dominating influence on runoff.

Contributions

• Developed and calibrated a large-scale VIC hydrological model specifically for the high-altitude Nyang River Basin, enhancing hydrological simulation capabilities in such complex environments.
• Provided specific, calibrated VIC model parameters for the Nyang River Basin based on the China Natural Runoff Grid Point Dataset (CNRD v1.0).
• Quantified seasonal runoff patterns and identified the significant influencing factors (watershed area, temperature, precipitation) on runoff volume in the Nyang River, while also highlighting regional variations where these factors are not dominant.

Funding

• Key R&D Project of Science and Technology Program of Tibet Autonomous Region (XZ202301ZY0006G)
• Graduate High-level Talent Training Program of Xizang University (2022-GSP-B007)
• Nagqu City Science and Technology Program Key R&D Projects (NQKJ-2023-15)
• Central Financial Support for Local Universities to Construct Wetland Station in Mitika
• Collaborative Innovation Center for Ecological Civilization of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau ([2024]NO. 01)

Citation

@article{Cao2025Runoff,
  author = {Cao, Liang and Dong, Shi Wei and Wang, Yuyan and Li, Xingran and Cao, Pengxi},
  title = {Runoff changes and influencing factors in the Nyang River Basin in Xizang},
  journal = {Journal of Mountain Science},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.1007/s11629-024-9276-6},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s11629-024-9276-6}
}