Impacts of land use and land cover change and reforestation on summer rainfall in the Yangtze River basin

Abstract. Land use and cover have been significantly changed all around the world during last decade. In particular, Grain for Green (GG) program has resulted in significant changes regional land cover, especially China. change (LULCC) may lead to climate. this study, we take Yangtze River basin as a case study analyze impacts of LULCC reforestation on summer rainfall amounts extremes based Weather Research Forecasting model. Firstly, two observed scenarios (1990 2010) were chosen investigate Secondly, hypothetical (i.e., 20 % 50 cropland forest) taken control year 2010 test sensitivity (amounts extremes) reforestation. The results showed that average extreme daily decreased between 1990 due LULCC. Reforestation could increase amount extremes, effects more pronounced populated areas than over whole basin. Moreover, influenced by proportion. addition, increased less conversely, with transform proportion forest from %. By analyzing water vapor mixing ratio, upward moisture flux, 10 m wind, it is suggested result might be caused horizontal transportation processes moisture. Although comprehensive assessment was conducted, further studies are needed uncertainty better.