Assessment of the geo-eco-hydrological condition of anabranching reaches in the Source Zone of the Yellow River, western China

A geo-eco-hydrological approach is developed and applied to assess river condition for three anabranching reaches in the Source Zone of the Yellow River. Building on principles of the River Styles Framework, attributes used to assess river condition are tailored to measure key attributes of the character and behavior for the type of river under consideration. Hydrogeomorphic process linkages with riparian vegetation function are appraised using the Fluvial Biogeomorphic Succession Model for each reach. Reference conditions incorporate measures of river geo-eco-hydrological structural integrity and functional connectivity, relating the expected best achievable conditions to prevailing land use practices in these grazing adapted grassland ecosystems. Contemporary conditions closely approximate expected reference conditions in hydro-geomorphic terms. While vegetation interactions function effectively in the active channel zone, they are subject to land use pressures in many floodplain areas. Minimizing impacts of direct anthropogenic disturbance, while promoting passive management practices that support self-sustaining processes, are considered to offer the best prospect to maintain good river condition in these reaches. Major commitment to environmental protection in this area makes this a realistic possibility. The generic approach to analysis of geo-eco-hydrological condition is readily transferable to other situations.

Automated summary

A geo-eco-hydrological approach was used to assess river condition in three anabranching reaches in the Source Zone of the Yellow River. While contemporary conditions closely resemble expected reference conditions, they are still subject to land use pressures which impact vegetation interactions. The best prospect for maintaining good river condition is to minimize anthropogenic disturbance and promote self-sustaining processes through passive management practices.