Advances in Earth Science ›› 2008, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (7): 756-764. doi: 10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2008.07.0756

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On the Watershed Observing and Modeling Systems

Li Xin 1,Cheng Guodong 1,2   

  1. 1.Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China; 2.Depatment of Earth Sciences,National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing 100085,China
  • Received:2008-05-26 Revised:2008-06-10 Online:2008-07-10 Published:2008-07-10

Li Xin,Cheng Guodong. On the Watershed Observing and Modeling Systems[J]. Advances in Earth Science, 2008, 23(7): 756-764.

A watershed can be considered as an atom of earth system or a basic element of natural environment. The watershed science, from a viewpoint of fundamental research, is a practice of earth system science on catchment scale; and from a viewpoint of applied science, is a tool to be used for sustainable development by optimal allocation of natural resources and human activities at a river basin. Watershed observing and modeling systems are the prerequisite for watershed science. The components of the proposed watershed observing system is introduced. It should be capable of observing water, energy and geochemical cycles as well as socioeconomic activities with up to date, highly resolution, highly accurate, highly effective, multi-scale, and integrated techniques. The watershed modeling system should consist of regional climatic model, land surface model, surface water model, ground water model, dynamic vegetation model, and socioeconomic model. Based on the integrated model, a spatially explicit decision support system for watershed management can be developed. Therefore, the watershed modeling system can be used not only for understanding the watershed behavior but also for severing the integrated watershed management.

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