Attribution of runoff changes in the Danjiang River Basin in the Qinba Mountains, China

Introduction The Danjiang River Basin has experienced significant alterations to its runoff patterns in recent years, primarily as a result of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Methods This study aims investigate these factors’ influence on the basin’s between 1960 2016 using Mann–Kendall (M-K) test Accumulative Anomaly Curve (AAC) assess abrupt characteristics runoff. Furthermore, evaluates effects factors evolution eight independent Budyko hypotheses. Results findings indicate that annual precipitation basin remained stable ( P > 0.1), while decreases significantly −4.08 mm/a < 0.05) potential evapotranspiration slightly −1.76 0.05). also reveales reduction is attributable activities, contributing 133.66 147.50%, contributes −33.66 −47.50%. Discussion increased vegetation cover identified primary cause production increase evapotranspiration. Additionally, construction hydraulic engineering facilities found have had some impact reducing These implications for water resource management soil conservation Basin.