Quantification of ecohydrological sensitivities and their influencing factors at the seasonal scale

Abstract. Ecohydrological sensitivity, defined as the response intensity of streamflow to per unit vegetation change is an integrated indicator for assessing hydrological sensitivity change. Understanding ecohydrological and its influencing factors crucial managing water supply, reducing water-related hazards ensuring aquatic functions by management. Yet, there still a systematic assessment on associated driving especially at seasonal scale lacking. In this study, 14 large watersheds across various environmental gradients in China were selected quantify their sensitivities examine role such climate, vegetation, topography, soil landscape. Based variables identified correlation analysis factor analysis, prediction models constructed test utilities design watershed management protection strategies. Our key findings following: (1) more sensitive under dry conditions than wet – example, 1 % LAI (leaf area index) change, average, induced 5.05 1.96 season streamflow, respectively; (2) highly variable study with different climate conditions, dominant types regimes; (3) was mostly determined topography (slope, slope length, valley depth downslope distance gradient), (topsoil organic carbon topsoil bulk density) (LAI), while mainly controlled (topsoil-available water-holding capacity), landscape (edge index). provided useful practical framework assess predict scale. The established can be applied ungauged or limited data help decision makers managers effectively manage impacts through restoration programs. We conclude that are varied property, understanding greatly support risks functions.