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In this study, we develop a machine-learning (ML)-enabled strategy for selecting hillslope-scale ecohydrological monitoring sites within snow-dominated mountainous watersheds, with a particular focus on snow-soil–plant interactions. Data layers rely on spatial data layers from both remote sensing and hydrological model simulations. Specifically, a Landsat-based foresummer drought sensitivity index is used to define the dependency of the annual peak plant productivity on the Palmer drought severity index in the early growing season. Hydrological simulations provide the spatiotemporal dynamics of near-surface soil moisture and snow depth. In this framework, a regression analysis identifies the key hydrological variables relevant to the spatial heterogeneity of drought sensitivity. We then apply unsupervised clustering to these key variables, using the Gaussian mixture model, to group hillslopes into several zones that have divergent relationships regarding soil moisture, snow dynamics, and drought sensitivity. Using the datasets collected in the East River Watershed (Crested Butte, Colorado, United States), results show that drought sensitivity is significantly correlated with model-derived soil moisture and snow-free timing over space and time. The relationship is, however, non-linear, such that the correlation decreases above a threshold elevation and in a heavy snow year due to large snowpacks, lateral flow, and soil storage limitations. Clustering is then able to define the zones that have high or low sensitivity to drought, as well as the mid-elevation regions where sensitivity is associated with the topographic aspect and net potential radiation. In addition, the algorithm identifies the most representative hillslopes with road/trail access within each zone for installing monitoring sites. Our method also aims to significantly increase the use of ML and model-simulation results to guide critical zone and watershed monitoring activities.

Extreme short-duration rainfall is intensifying with climate warming, and growing evidence suggests that subhourly rainfall extremes are increasing faster than more widely studied durations at hourly and daily timescales. In this case study, we used 55 years (1968–2022) of 5-min precipitation data from Mahantango Creek, a long-term experimental agricultural watershed in east-central Pennsylvania, United States, to examine annual and seasonal changes in subhourly (15-min), hourly, and daily rainfall extremes. Specifically, we evaluated temporal trends in the magnitude and frequency of subhourly, hourly, and daily rainfall extremes. We then estimated apparent scaling rates between rainfall extremes and dew point temperature (Td) and compared these rates to the Clausius-Clapeyron (CC) rate (∼ 7% per °C). We also determined the coincidence of extreme rainfall trends with indicators of atmospheric instability and convective-type precipitation. Overall, we found the most significant changes in rainfall extremes at 15-min durations during the spring, with magnitudes of these subhourly extremes increasing by 0.6 to 0.9% per year, and frequencies rising by 3.4% per year. Apparent scaling rates in the spring showed that 15-min rainfall extremes transitioned from sub-CC scaling to greater than 2CC scaling when Td reached 11° C, implying a possible shift from stratiform rains to more intense convective rains above this Td threshold. Notably, trends in maximum hourly convective available potential energy (CAPE) increased during spring, as did the ratio of 15-min rainfall extremes to their corresponding daily rainfall totals. Findings indicate that convective-type precipitation may be playing an increasing role in the intensification of springtime 15-min rainfall extremes in Mahantango Creek. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil erosion is both the cause and effect of land degradation. Land use/land cover conversion that changes the inherent landscape structure of watersheds leads to soil loss increase. Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed (PCW) as a major source of irrigation, electricity, biodiversity, livelihood, and other ecosystem services, thus, it is imperative to spatially and temporally estimate the soil erosion within its boundary to assist and guide decision-makers in planning conservation and management of the watershed. Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, remotely sensed data, soil analysis, and geographical information system, the soil erosion rate in PCW was estimated. Results showed that there is increasing soil erosion in PCW over time. In 2010 soil erosion rate was estimated to be 134 tons·ha-1·yr-1 which increased to 141 tons·ha-1·yr-1 and 154 tons·ha-1·yr-1 in 2015 and 2020, respectively. Considering the average soil erosion rate and land cover types in PCW, annual crop and open/barren land cover types have the highest average soil erosion rate through time with moderate and catastrophic erosion levels, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chesapeake Bay watershed encompasses six states and the District of Columbia. Consequently, the people within it display great diversity in terms of values, allegiances, and experiences. That diversity may help to explain an apparent inability to coordinate actions aimed at redressing the dismal water quality throughout the watershed. In this paper, we bridge theory to an applied scenario to examine the importance of developing a collective identity within the watershed to bring about changes in individual behavior and policies. We present the current conditions of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, propose a stage model for the development of a collective watershed identity, outline theoretically grounded determinants of each stage, and discuss the challenges in developing a collective identity. We further suggest several guiding questions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use/land cover (LULC) data are essential for Earth science research. Due to the high fragmentation and heterogeneity of landscapes, machine learning-based LULC classification frequently emphasizes results such as classification accuracy, efficiency, and variable importance analysis. However, this approach often overlooks the intermediate processes, and LULC mapping that relies on a single classifier typically does not yield satisfactory results. In this paper, to obtain refined LULC classification products at the watershed scale and improve the accuracy and efficiency of watershed-scale mapping, we propose a subregion ensemble learning classification framework. The Huangshui River watershed, located in the transition belts between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Loess Plateau, is chosen as the case study area, and Sentinel-2A/B multi-temporal data are selected for ensemble learning classification. Using the proposed method, the block classification scale is analyzed and illustrated at the watershed, and the classification accuracy and efficiency of the new method are compared and analyzed against three ensemble learning methods using several variables. The proposed watershed-scale ensemble learning framework has better accuracy and efficiency for LULC mapping and has certain advantages over the other methods. The method proposed in this study provides new ideas for watershed-scale LULC mapping technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental phenomena shed light on the fiction that inter-state borders constitute on some level, and the limitations of state-based environmental governance. Transboundary watersheds, in particular, flow across borders of different kinds, evincing the interdependence of water bodies, both human and nonhuman. The lack of cross-border comprehensive environmental governance imposes regional forms of inequity and inefficient forms of water protection. In Central America, to address such problems, citizens have created a legal prototype for how transboundary watersheds could be governed as a commons going forward. This endeavour has been led by Salvadorans, concerned as they are by their country’s position as a lower co-riparian and their significant interdependence with transboundary water bodies. I argue that, in addition to destabilizing established approaches to environmental governance, the legal prototype opens avenues for forms of earthly politics and multispecies justice by placing the reproduction of life, human and nonhuman, side by side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing flood resilience has become crucial for watershed flood prevention. However, current methods for quantifying resilience often exhibit coarse spatiotemporal granularity, leading to insufficient precision in watershed resilience assessments and hindering the accurate implementation of resilience enhancement measures. This study proposes a watershed flood resilience assessment method based on a system performance curve that considers thresholds of inundation depth and duration. A nested one- and two-dimensional coupled hydrodynamic model, spanning two spatial scales, was utilized to simulate flood processes in plain river network areas with detailed and complex hydraulic connections. The proposed framework was applied to the Hangjiahu area (Taihu Basin, China). The results indicated that the overall trend of resilience curves across different underlying surfaces initially decreased and then increase, with a significant decline observed within 20–50 h. The resilience of paddy fields and forests was the highest, while that of drylands and grasslands was the lowest, but the former had less recovery ability than the latter. The resilience of urban systems sharply declined within the first 40 h and showed no signs of recovery, with the curve remaining at a low level. In some regions, the flood tolerance depth and duration for all land use types exceeded the upper threshold. The resilience of the western part of the Hangjiahu area was higher than that of other regions, whereas the resilience of the southern region was lower compared to the northern region. The terrain and tolerance thresholds of inundation depth were the main factors affecting watershed flood resilience. The findings of this study provide a basis for a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution patterns of flood resilience and for precisely guiding the implementation and management of flood resilience enhancement projects in the watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrological models are vital for water management to determine in-stream flow, irrigational water, domestic water supply, and biodiversity conservation. This study formulates a hydrological model with a novel approach for streamflow and sediment load in the QGIS-supported Soil and Water Assessment Tool for the Halda River catchment, a unique ecological habitat for natural carp spawning and freshwater sources. The daily simulation uses an innovative stage-discharge relationship technique from available 15-day interval flow data. The model evaluation parameters R2 values 0.80 and 0.62, and NS values 0.81 and 0.61 for calibration and validation of streamflow suggested excellent agreement in the seasonal cycle and most of the monsoon peak flow. The streamflow/precipitation ratio indicates a significant influence of groundwater through infiltration. The baseflow shows a decreasing trend. The sediment load based on suspended sediment concentration at a downstream location is 1,625 tons/day. On the contrary, the model prediction is 30 times lower. The scattered sediment load data support the model estimate by considering relatively lower intervention or land use change in its upstream. This model provides a baseline for daily flow and sediment load for scenario modeling (e.g., climate change, land use change) for environmental flow estimation of the fish habitat, freshwater supply, irrigation, and salinity intrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Driven by the need for integrated management of groundwater (GW) and surface water (SW), quantification of GW–SW interactions and associated contaminant transport has become increasingly important. This is due to their substantial impact on water quantity and quality. In this review, we provide an overview of the methods developed over the past several decades to investigate GW–SW interactions. These methods include geophysical, hydrometric, and tracer techniques, as well as various modeling approaches. Different methods reveal valuable information on GW–SW interactions at different scales with their respective advantages and limitations. Interpreting data from these techniques can be challenging due to factors like scale effects, heterogeneous hydrogeological conditions, sediment variability, and complex spatiotemporal connections between GW and SW. To facilitate the selection of appropriate methods for specific sites, we discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of each technique, and we offer perspectives on knowledge gaps in the current science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated flood vulnerability in the Ciliman and Cilemer Watersheds, situated in Banten Province, and employs a spatial multi-criteria-integrated approach, with a specific focus on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Two distinct scenarios, which have different parameter priority, were compared: one based on expert judgment for pairwise parameter comparisons (scenario-1) and the other derived from historical flood occurrences in high and very high vulnerability areas (scenario-2). Seven parameters, including elevation, slope, precipitation, geologic, soil type, land use, and distance to streams were weighted substantially different between the two scenarios. The study validated the flood vulnerability scenarios by contrasting them with historical flood data. Scenario-2 exhibited a closer agreement with the historical flood points during validation, particularly in very high vulnerability areas. Elevation and slope are identified as pivotal factors influencing flood vulnerability: low elevations and gentle slopes increased vulnerability, while higher slopes decreased flood susceptibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rembang Regency has little annual rainfall, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 mm. The Capluk Watershed in Rembang is the only one with a discharge station. The average rainfall of the watershed in 2011 to 2020 is relatively low (1,877 mm/year). Moors are the dominant land use in the watershed, so the watershed is prone to drought. This study aims to assess the water balance and land use planning to reduce water deficits. The FJ Mock modeling method is used to understand hydrological phenomena, where the results can help manage water resources by regulating land use by utilizing the exposed surface parameters in the model. The results show that the demand for water in the watershed for the 2011 to 2020 period reaches an average of 49,151,012 m³/year, while the availability of water is 132,512,172 m³/year. This condition shows that the total water balance experiences an average surplus of 83,361,160 m³/year but experiences a deficit in the dry season, an average of 3,452,278 m³/year. For land use planning, scenario 5 (a combination of regional spatial plan maps, forest area maps, general plan for forest and land rehabilitation maps, and land use in 2020) is the best in reducing the water deficit by 20,383,274 m³ or can lower the water deficit to 4,957,173 m³. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The condition of the Bengkulu watershed area is outlined in the Indonesia Integrated Watershed Management Plan. Adverse conditions in the watershed have been linked to a range of natural calamities, such as floods and droughts. Moreover, the process of converting forests into plantations or agricultural lands has resulted in environmental degradation. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an evaluation of vegetation density and plant analysis within the watershed. This is crucial for comprehending ecological conditions, devising restoration measures, and implementing conservation efforts. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze vegetation density and track plant diversity, specifically focusing on tree characteristics, throughout. METHODS: The study techniques utilized in this investigation encompass the gathering of normalized difference vegetation index data from satellite imagery, followed by its analysis through the utilization of geographic information system software. Sentinel satellite imagery from 2021 is utilized due to its efficacy in monitoring environmental conditions and managing natural resources. Spatial data encompass maps and field data. FINDINGS: By employing normalized difference vegetation index data, the study pioneers a novel approach to environmental monitoring, setting an example for effective resource management and ecological conservation in watershed regions. The study findings indicate that 29 percent of the watershed area exhibits moderately steep topography with a dendritic flow pattern. The assessment of the normalized difference vegetation index demonstrates that the watershed is comprised of multiple sections abundant in high-density vegetation, primarily dedicated to plantations. Within the Bengkulu watershed area, a total of 49 tree species from 22 families were identified, with diversity indices falling within the moderate category. CONCLUSION: An in-depth knowledge of the ecological factors and plant preservation initiatives in the Bengkulu watershed can greatly aid in sustainable environmental management and help policymakers develop more effective policies for ensuring environmental sustainability. The findings of this study contribute significantly to the Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management's goals of promoting sustainable environmental management and biodiversity preservation, offering actionable insights for policymakers and conservationists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High spatial resolution, accurate precipitation data, which is currently unavailable in many parts of the world, is required for a variety of applications. This study investigates the utility of employing Global Satellite Precipitation (GSP) in conjunction with ground-based precipitation data. Monthly studies of the research area were performed using fourteen various GSP models, including CHIRPS, CFS, CPC CMORPH, and others. According to our findings, CHIRPS is the most successful GSP model we investigated. All GSP models performed better when the daily precipitation data was adjusted using monthly mean linear adjustment factors. The approach consisted of five processes: feature class and feature selection, asset import into Google Earth Engine, GSP model evaluation, precision assessment of GSP and observation data, and regression analysis for spatial mapping. The results reveal that when adjusted for daily data, CHIRPS and other GSP models perform much better, showing that they are suitable for precipitation estimation. This work contributes to the development of methods for estimating precipitation, particularly in areas with limited ground-based data. The advice to use ground-based observations in addition to satellite-retrieved precipitation data is intended to improve weather forecast accuracy and aid early warning systems for severe weather. Our research stresses the importance of a hybrid strategy that combines high-resolution models and satellite data for effectively managing watersheds and disaster preparedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitrate--nitrogen (NO3-N) concentration is a key variable affecting the ecosystem services supported by headwater streams. The availability of such data monitored continuously at a high frequency (in parallel to hydrometric and other water quality data) potentially permits a greater insight into the dynamics of this key variable. This study demonstrates how single-input single-output (SISO) system identification tools can make better use of these high-frequency data to identify a reduced number of numerical characteristics that support new explanatory hypotheses of rain-driven NO3-N dynamics. A second-order watershed managed for commercial forestry in upland Wales (United Kingdom) provided the illustrative data. Fifteen-minute rainfall time series were used to simulate NO3-N concentration dynamics and the potentially associated dynamics in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and runoff, monitored at the same high resolution for two 30-day periods with a differing temperature regime. The approach identified robust, high-efficiency models needing few parameters. Comparison of only three derived dynamic response characteristics (DRCs) of δ, TC, and SSG for the three variables for the two different periods led to new hypotheses of rain-driven NO3-N dynamics for further exploratory field investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely predicted that climate change's adverse effects will intensify in the future, and along with inadequate agricultural practices, settlement development, and other anthropic activities, could contribute to rapid wetland degradation and thus exert significant negative effects on local communities. This study sought to develop an approach based on the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in the Ruzizi Plain, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where adverse effects of the climate change are increasingly recurrent. Initially, we analyzed the trends of climate data for the last three decades (1990–2022). Subsequently, the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) approach was employed on two contrasting watersheds to estimate current and future water demands in the region and how local wetlands could serve as reservoirs to meeting water demands. Results indicate that the Ruzizi Plain is facing escalating water challenges owing to climate change, rapid population growth, and evolving land-use patterns. These factors are expected to affect water quality and quantity, and thus, increase pressure on wetland ecosystems. The analysis of past data shows recurrence of dry years (SPI ≤ − 1.5), reduced daily low-intensity rainfall (Pmm < 10 mm), and a significant increase in extreme rainfall events (Pmm ≥ 25 mm). The WEAP outcomes revealed significant variations in future water availability, demand, and potential stressors across watersheds. Cropland and livestock are the main water consumers in rural wetlands, while households, cropland (at a lesser extent), and other urban uses exert significant water demands on wetlands located in urban environments. Of three test scenarios, the one presenting wetlands as water reservoirs seemed promising than those considered optimal (based on policies regulating water use) and rational (stationary inputs but with a decrease in daily allocation). These findings highlight the impact of climate change in the Ruzizi plain, emphasizing the urgency of implementing adaptive measures. This study advocates for the necessity of the IWRM approach to enhance water resilience, fostering sustainable development and wetland preservation under changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal behavior of fluvial dissolved silica (DSi) concentrations, termed DSi regime, mediates the timing of DSi delivery to downstream waters and thus governs river biogeochemical function and aquatic community condition. Previous work identified five distinct DSi regimes across rivers spanning the Northern Hemisphere, with many rivers exhibiting multiple DSi regimes over time. Several potential drivers of DSi regime behavior have been identified at small scales, including climate, land cover, and lithology, and yet the large‐scale spatiotemporal controls on DSi regimes have not been identified. We evaluate the role of environmental variables on the behavior of DSi regimes in nearly 200 rivers across the Northern Hemisphere using random forest models. Our models aim to elucidate the controls that give rise to (a) average DSi regime behavior, (b) interannual variability in DSi regime behavior (i.e., Annual DSi regime), and (c) controls on DSi regime shape (i.e., minimum and maximum DSi concentrations). Average DSi regime behavior across the period of record was classified accurately 59% of the time, whereas Annual DSi regime behavior was classified accurately 80% of the time. Climate and primary productivity variables were important in predicting Average DSi regime behavior, whereas climate and hydrologic variables were important in predicting Annual DSi regime behavior. Median nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were important drivers of minimum and maximum DSi concentrations, indicating that these macronutrients may be important for seasonal DSi drawdown and rebound. Our findings demonstrate that fluctuations in climate, hydrology, and nutrient availability of rivers shape the temporal availability of fluvial DSi. Plain Language Summary: The amount of dissolved silicon (DSi) in rivers is an important control on numerous ecological and biogeochemical processes, such as types of algae that bloom and rates of carbon sequestration. Compared to our knowledge of other nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, we have limited understanding of what controls the timing and concentration of DSi in rivers. Previous work identified five distinct seasonal patterns of DSi concentrations in rivers across the Northern Hemisphere; here we look at the environmental variables that control these seasonal patterns. We found that rivers often have one to five seasonal patterns over time due to interannual shifts in temperature, evapotranspiration, and streamflow. In addition, we found that the average shape of the seasonal pattern for a given river, specifically minimum and maximum DSi concentrations, was related to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations, highlighting linkages between N, P, and DSi cycling in rivers. This work identifies why river DSi concentrations exhibit both within and between year variability, highlighting that temperature, streamflow, and nutrient availability control the timing of river DSi availability for biological uptake. Key Points: Seasonal variations in annual riverine dissolved silica concentrations (DSi regime) were correctly classified 80% of the timeClimate and primary productivity emerge as the most important drivers in differentiating among average DSi regimesMedian nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations strongly predicted minimum and maximum DSi concentration, regardless of regime type [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the effects of land use/land cover (LULC) and demographical changes on runoff and erosion processes in the watersheds of border highlands in Serbia. It provides an interdisciplinary approach, linking demography (human geography) with physical geography (hydrology and geomorphology). (A) A predominant decrease in curve number (CN), a key hydrological indicator, is recorded in more than 20 watersheds in Eastern and Southeastern Serbia, largely due to continuous depopulation and abandonment of arable land over recent decades. In contrast, minor CN changes are dominant in over 10 watersheds in Western and Southwestern Serbia. (B) Through cluster analysis, four regions are spatially delineated by changes in four key indicators: runoff, soil erosion, agricultural land use, and rural population. Soil erosion change is correlated with the deagrarianisation and depopulation processes at a significance of p < 0.0001 with r = 0.580 and r = 0.629, respectively. The border watersheds are being studied for the first time using a complex approach that analyses the relationships between changes in demography, land use, surface runoff, and soil erosion. The study results contribute to a better understanding of sustainable land management and risk management in the hilly and mountainous border regions, which are particularly vulnerable to torrential flooding and soil erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity and ecosystem service models are frequently used to consider current conditions or recent changes in the availability of a service. The application of scenarios for biodiversity and ecosystem service assessment remains underdeveloped, particularly co-designed and fine-granular scenarios across different decision-making boundaries. Consequently, the data created by these modeling efforts may not be as valuable to conservation partners and policy makers. In this project, we used land use and land cover change scenarios co-developed with local and regional decision-makers in northwestern Virginia USA as key inputs for 18 different biodiversity and ecosystem service models. Specifically, we used the InVEST suite of models to predict the change in biodiversity and ecosystem indicators and evaluated differences in that change between scenarios and decision-making boundaries. We found that the scenarios produced distinct results for the majority of biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially as a function of population growth. However, we also found that some services varied more as a function of subregions reflecting the existing diversity of ecosystems and governance structures in the area. The co-designed scenarios and summary of the data across units resulted in the production of varied results that can be used to support land use planning by implementing partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Indigenous water treatment practices play a vital role, yet they remain underrecognized, in securing access to safe drinking water for rural communities across East Africa. This article performs a mini‐review of the most common traditional techniques used by most East African communities to purify drinking water regularly. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have been taken as representative countries in the region as they somehow share many social‐cultural aspects, including a common language (Swahili), transboundary tribes like Maasai (Kenya/Tanzania), and Bahaya (Uganda/Tanzania). The four main traditional water purification techniques identified: filtration using locally available media, solar disinfection, Moringa coagulation, and boiling as well as improved storage. Case studies documenting the effectiveness of these indigenous practices in removing microbial pathogens and meeting WHO guidelines are also examined. However, limitations around reliance on local resources, labor demands, hygiene risks, and the inability to consistently achieve standards challenge wider adoption. The article concludes by highlighting the need for participatory optimization of traditional methods through integration with scientific expertise in a manner respecting local contexts. With proper support, these grassroots innovations can strengthen household water security on a sustainable basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Tucumán, environmental scientists and authorities have long considered river pollution caused by the sugar industry to be a priority issue for research and management. However, little is known about how local communities perceive and relate to this issue and these environments. To obtain a more comprehensive understanding, we conducted 401 surveys in four localities to investigate the social perceptions of rivers affected by the sugar industry, utilizing the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework to structure this sociocultural assessment. There was a broad recognition of rivers’ importance by 87% of respondents, but 44% reported that they do not visit them, reflecting a disconnect with these environments. Additionally, the community conceives rivers in “good condition” (state) based mostly on aesthetic aspects of the water, rather than health or ecosystem considerations. Overall, rivers were perceived negatively; problems (drivers, pressures) were perceived more than contributions (impacts). Although most (56%) respondents identified sugar industry pollution as “very important,” it ranked third, after other environmental and social pressures. Contributions of rivers that impact people’s well-being were valued lower, and only construction materials, water for animals, recreational spaces, and food were considered “somewhat important.” The majority (> 65%) did not identify rivers as important for energy generation or drinking water. Finally, 42% of the community was unaware of existing environmental public policies aimed at addressing river degradation. These social perceptions of Tucumán’s rivers and their management reveal both similarities and differences between expert-driven, ecological knowledge and society’s relationships with these rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Extreme short-duration rainfall is intensifying with climate warming, and growing evidence suggests that subhourly rainfall extremes are increasing faster than more widely studied durations at hourly and daily timescales. In this case study, we used 55 years (1968–2022) of 5-min precipitation data from Mahantango Creek, a long-term experimental agricultural watershed in east-central Pennsylvania, United States, to examine annual and seasonal changes in subhourly (15-min), hourly, and daily rainfall extremes. Specifically, we evaluated temporal trends in the magnitude and frequency of subhourly, hourly, and daily rainfall extremes. We then estimated apparent scaling rates between rainfall extremes and dew point temperature (Td) and compared these rates to the Clausius-Clapeyron (CC) rate (∼ 7% per °C). We also determined the coincidence of extreme rainfall trends with indicators of atmospheric instability and convective-type precipitation. Overall, we found the most significant changes in rainfall extremes at 15-min durations during the spring, with magnitudes of these subhourly extremes increasing by 0.6 to 0.9% per year, and frequencies rising by 3.4% per year. Apparent scaling rates in the spring showed that 15-min rainfall extremes transitioned from sub-CC scaling to greater than 2CC scaling when Td reached 11° C, implying a possible shift from stratiform rains to more intense convective rains above this Td threshold. Notably, trends in maximum hourly convective available potential energy (CAPE) increased during spring, as did the ratio of 15-min rainfall extremes to their corresponding daily rainfall totals. Findings indicate that convective-type precipitation may be playing an increasing role in the intensification of springtime 15-min rainfall extremes in Mahantango Creek.

Soil erosion is both cause and effect of land degradation. Land use/land cover conversion that changes the inherent landscape structure of watersheds leads to increase soil loss. Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed (PCW) as a major source of irrigation, electricity, biodiversity, livelihood, and other ecosystem services, thus, it is imperative to spatially and temporally estimates the soil erosion within its boundary to assist and guide decision-makers in planning conservation and management of the watershed. Using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, remotely sensed data, soil analysis, and geographical information system, soil erosion rate in PCW was estimated. Results showed that there is increasing soil erosion in PCW over time. In 2010 soil erosion rate was estimated to be 134 tons ha-1 yr-1 which increased to 141 tons ha-1 yr-1 and 154 tons ha-1 yr-1 in 2015 and 2020, respectively. Considering the average soil erosion rate and land cover types in PCW, annual crop and open/barren land cover types have the highest average soil erosion rate through time with moderate and catastrophic erosion levels, respectively.

Extended Abstract Background: In recent years, changes in climate and land use have led to fluctuations in water resources. These changes have affected the river flow, environment, and drinking and agricultural water. Land use change has four important effects on watersheds, namely changes in peak flow characteristics, changes in total runoff volume, changes in water quality, and changes in hydrological balance. To prevent natural disasters, it is important to identify the current conditions and predict the future situation. Overcoming these crises and reducing their adverse effects are only possible in the shadow of management, planning, and relying on practical knowledge. The present study aimed to determine the impact of climate change and land use on the river flow in the Talar basin between 2020 and 2050. Methods: The effects of future land use, climate changes, and their combined effect in the Talar basin (Mazandaran province) have not been seriously investigated using the sixth climate change report. Therefore, this study analyzed data based on CMIP6 climate change scenarios and land use projections for 2035 and 2050. First, the SWAT model was used to evaluate the effects of climate and land use on the river flow in the Talar River basin. After calibration and validation of the model using the best parameters from 2001 to 2020, CMIP6 data were downscaled based on six models and projected under two scenarios SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5. The scale of atmospheric general circulation models was reduced using two methods: the delta method and quantile mapping (Qm). These methods were chosen due to the large scale of the models. In this research, the Markov prediction model (CA-Markov) was used to simulate and predict land use changes for the years 2035 and 2050. Precipitation and temperature data obtained from climate change and land use scenarios were entered into the SWAT model to predict the average monthly flow during the years 2020-2035 and 2020-2050. Results: Calibration and validation at the Kiakola station as the output of the Talar watershed showed that the Nash-Sutcliffe index (NSE) had efficiencies of 0.8 and 0.76, respectively. The best values of the validation indices were obtained by the INM model. The Delta method for downscaled precipitation data and the Qm method for downscaled minimum and maximum temperatures showed better evaluation values. For example, the presented tables show that the values of RMSE, NRMSE, and MAE for the rainfall of the Kiakola station are 2.185, 0.0402, and 1.716, respectively, using the Delta method. All these values show the good accuracy of these downscaling methods for SWAT model inputs to predict the streamflow in the Talar River basin. These methods were implemented for all the studied stations, and the downscaled values of the aforementioned parameters were used to predict the streamflow of the Talar River basin at the Kiakola station. Conclusion: The predicted results for 2035 and 2050 show a decrease in the runoff volume, wetlands, and urban land. Therefore, land use activities in the future should be based on appropriate land use development and land use regulation to reduce the long-term adverse effects of land use changes. In the Talar River basin, land use changes are mainly controlled by internal factors, such as agricultural land expansion and urbanization, while climate change is regarded as an external factor. Both have an important role in changing the hydrological processes of the basin. This study evaluates the combined effects of land use and future climate changes on the water balance in the Talar River basin. The combination of land use change and climate change has a more obvious effect on surface runoff. On a monthly scale, runoff from surface runoff decreases significantly across seasons, indicating that more extreme events (i.e., droughts) could potentially occur in the future. With land use changes, these effects can only be reduced by less than 20%. Therefore, more measures (for example, soil conservation) are needed in addition to land use planning to increase infiltration and aquifer nutrition and, subsequently, reduce risks from land use and climate change impacts. This research presents the effects of changes in land use and climate on the available water in the Talar River basin in the future. Furthermore, this paper presents a study on the use of the SWAT model in hydrology to help the scientific field. The findings of this study can also be useful for officials in reducing water stress through proper management of land use in the future. The results indicate that the average monthly streamflow of the Talar River basin has decreased due to land use changes, such as the expansion of urban areas and the reduction of agricultural land. In the future, changes in land use and land cover (LULC) may affect streamflow. The main drivers of LULC changes include agricultural development, deforestation, urban planning, land tenure policy, and organization development.

Abstract The morphometric analysis of the watersheds is essential for the conservation of natural resources, including soil, water, and vegetation. The Morphometric analysis defines the linear, areal and relief aspects of the watershed. It involves the comprehensive analysis of various factors such as drainage network, surface water flow, and other topographical features. The aim of this study is to develop a sustainable watershed management strategy for the Nayar watershed based on morphometry and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change dynamics. The Nayar watershed has a total area of 1956.33 km2. The multispectral satellite imagery, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data, and Survey of India (SOI) Toposheets were used for understanding the topographical and morphological characteristics along with the LULC change dynamics. The findings of this research conclude that the Nayar watershed has parallel and dendritic drainage patterns with high relief. According to the LULC change dynamics, the Nayar watershed's area change comprising 57.60 km2 and 57.15 km2, are from Agricultural Land to Wasteland and from Forest Cover to Wasteland, respectively. This shift in the hilly region will increase the risks of landslides and erosion. Furthermore, the change of 110.03 km2 area of Forest Cover to Agricultural Land raises further challenges due to loss of natural vegetation in long run. In summary the change in LULC of Nayar watershed is vulnerable to risk of natural calamities like landslide, erosion. This work would be helpful to many experts and decision-makers for sustainable watershed management and natural resource management.

Abstract It is widely predicted that climate change’s adverse effects will intensify in the future, and along with inadequate agricultural practices, settlement development, and other anthropic activities, could contribute to rapid wetland degradation and thus exert significant negative effects on local communities. This study sought to develop an approach based on the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in the Ruzizi Plain, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where adverse effects of the climate change are increasingly recurrent. Initially, we analyzed the trends of climate data for the last three decades (1990–2022). Subsequently, the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) approach was employed on two contrasting watersheds to estimate current and future water demands in the region and how local wetlands could serve as reservoirs to meeting water demands. Results indicate that the Ruzizi Plain is facing escalating water challenges owing to climate change, rapid population growth, and evolving land-use patterns. These factors are expected to affect water quality and quantity, and thus, increase pressure on wetland ecosystems. The analysis of past data shows recurrence of dry years (SPI ≤ − 1.5), reduced daily low-intensity rainfall (Pmm

Considering the diverse landscape of rainfall-runoff models, a thorough evaluation of their capabilities and limitations is essential for the selection of an optimal model. This study aims to assess the performance of rainfall-runoff hydrological models in the Malayer watershed. In this study, Rainfall-runoff simulation was carried out using SWAT and IHACRES models and meteorological data from 2005 to 2020. The calibration and validation of the model were done using the SUFI-2 algorithm. The results of sensitivity analysis showed that the melting factor, hydraulic conductivity of soil saturation, and snowfall temperature are the most important parameters controlling the flow rate in the study area. The R2 and NS coefficients for SWAT were calculated as 0.68 and 0.65 in the calibration period and 0.63 and 0.70 in the validation period, respectively which in these results showed the SWAT model has suitable efficiency for estimating the watershed flow. Based on the simulation results of the IHACRES model, the values ​​of R2 and NS are 0.66 and 0.58 in the calibration period and 0.52 and 0.51 in the validation period, respectively. Considering that the IHACRES model simulates runoff on a daily scale, the efficiency of the model can be evaluated as acceptable.

Understanding the spatial structure and diversity of fish communities in urban environments is crucial for effective conservation and management. Our study investigates the complexity and spatial structuring of fish communities across urbanized watersheds and waterfronts in the Toronto region. We evaluated the influence of environmental factors, including habitat, human impact, and species traits, on fish community composition. Specifically, we identify distinct groups based on sampling locations using modularity analysis and partial least square path modeling (PLS-PM). Our results reveal three distinct fish community groups. The first group, primarily located in major watersheds such as Humber and Rouge, is characterized by lower human impact and larger tracts of less developed land, where habitat variables like water quality play a significant role. These areas support species with intermediate tolerance levels to disturbances. The second group includes diverse waterfront and nearshore habitats, where high species richness and variability are influenced by varied environmental conditions and riparian zones, with limited urban impact. The third group, encompassing some of the more urbanized areas, faces the constraints of urbanization and a high density of instream barriers, resulting in lower species diversity and a dominance of disturbance-tolerant species. Our findings highlight how different urban environments shape fish communities based on available habitat in interaction with species traits. This underscores the importance of tailored urban watershed management strategies based on urbanization levels and habitat constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accelerated erosion caused by human activities is the major triggering factor for the loss of soil and water resources in Ethiopia. Soil erosion is commonly regarded as a major environmental problem that affects the sustainability of agricultural production and downstream reservoir. To facilitate urgent policy intervention in sustainable land management, evaluating the amount of annual soil loss is inevitable. In this study, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are integrated to analyse the amount of soil loss in the Neshe Dam Watershed of Ethiopia. The total amount of soil loss from the watershed (33,376 hectares) is about 1,252,935 tons per year. Furthermore, the potential average annual soil loss for the whole watershed is anticipated at 37.54 t ha−1 yr−1. In terms of sub-watersheds, very high soil loss (56.62 t ha−1 yr−1) was observed in sub-watershed B accounts (for 16.3%) and the least (16.06 t ha−1 yr−1) observed in sub-watershed E accounts (for 23.6%). The study concluded that if proper measures are not taken now, the accelerated erosion in the watershed will jeopardize the sustainability of agricultural production within the watershed and energy generated from the dam in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the natural hazards, without a doubt, the flood is known as a natural disaster. In this research, Shannon entropy model was used to prepare a flood sensitivity map. In this research, the Shannon entropy model was used to create a flood sensitivity map. Initially, 34 flood watersheds were selected from the Firoozabad basin, then these 34 points were classified into two groups. Out of the 34 points, 22 points (65 percent) were used for training and modeling, while the remaining 12 points (35 percent) were not used in the modeling process and were reserved for validation. First, a map depicting the flood status was developed. Then, ten factors, including slope, aspect, lithology, land use, NDVI, SPI, TWI, altitude, rainfall, and distance from the river, were selected as flood factors. Prioritizing the factors that have an impact on flood occurrence based on the Shannon entropy index revealed that the NDVI layers (2.03), rainfall (2.00), distance from the river (1.89), SPI (1.385), elevation classes (0.999), gradient with weight (0.932), lithology (0 .478), TWI (0 .379), land use (0 .280) and aspect (0.184) had the highest and lowest impacts on flood events, respectively The results of the ROC curve showed that the predicted surface area under the curve with the validation data (35 percent) was equal to 91.42 percent, and the success rate with the training data (65 percent) was equal to 92.53 percent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is modeling flood susceptibility in Jhelum River Basin by employing Geo-Morphometric ranking approach. The study area is located in the Monsoon region and exposed to heavy rainfall events. Every year monsoon rainfall and melting of snow and glaciers together generate flash floods in the upper catchment and then riverine flood in the low-lying areas. Watershed modeling approach is used to delineate the Jhelum watershed and its sub-watershed. Advance Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) is utilized as input data in ArcMap software environment. Then Geo-Morphometric ranking model is applied to rank the susceptibility of each sub-watershed to flood. The analysis showed that geo-morphometric characteristics vary from basin to basin. There are 44 sub-basins which cover area less than 1000 ​km2. The area of sub-basins ranges from 47.68 ​km2 to 7667.77 ​km2. Based on our results, area of sub-basin directly impacts flood susceptibility. Geo-morphometric parameters such as gradient, relief and geology of basin such as type of bed rock govern the drainage pattern. The results of the study can assist line agencies and concerned government departments to design location specific flood risk reduction strategy.

Abstract Studying the pressing impacts of climate change on runoff is vital for the sustainable functioning of society and ecosystems. In Senegal, there is insufficient consideration given to the magnitude of the decrease in water resources caused by climate change and the potential impact of this decrease on both society and the environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hydrological effects of climate change in the Aga-Foua-Djilas basin by employing CWatM hydrological models inside the frameworks of ISIMIP and HMF-WA. Over the historical period (1981–2019) in the Aga-Foua-Djilas basin, the analysis of all hydrological parameters indicates positive trends, although not statistically significant (except for runoff). Over the future period, unlike temperatures and PET, which show an upward trend in all scenarios, precipitation and runoff show downward trends, which are more significant under SSP 585. For precipitation, Kendall’s Tau shows a downward trend of − 0.157 mm/yr, − 0.321 mm/yr, and − 0.472 mm/yr under SSP 126, SSP 370 and SSP 585, respectively. For runoff, the trends are negative and of the order of − 0.207 m3/s/yr, − 0.44 m3/s/yr, and − 0.565 m3/s/yr, respectively, under SSP 126, SSP 370 and SSP 585 with CwatM and − 0.248 m3/s/yr (SSP 126), − 0.389 m3/s/yr (SSP 245) and − 0.579 m3/s/yr (SSP585) with HMF-WA. Compared with the decrease in precipitation toward the end of the century, the decrease in runoff noted for the distant future (2081–2100) will be of the order of − 32.8% (SSP 126), − 80.8% (SSP 370) and − 94.6% (SSP 585) with CwatM and − 22.3% (SSP 126), − 19.6% (SSP 245) and − 50.9% (SSP 585) with HMF-WA. This study could help policymakers and stakeholders to develop adaptation strategies for the Aga-Foua-Djilas basin.

Flood spreading is one of the solutions for water resource management that can have positive effects on groundwater resources. The aim of research is to investigate some qualitative changes of Herat aquifer affected by flood spreading station in the region. Statistics of Ca, HCO3, Mg, Na, Cl, TDS and EC parameters of agricultural wells were extracted. To evaluate effect of water extraction and consequently effect of sediment extraction on efficiency of sites, years of 2003-2011 were selected as the first period and 2012-2021 as the second period. Different interpolation methods were used to investigate spatial changes of qualitative parameters. Map of percentage of spatial changes of each parameter was obtained with using mathematical relationships. The results of examining percentage of spatial changes of parameters indicate an increase of water quality in downstream of flood spreading and outlet of aquifer. The lowest EC with less than 1000 µmho/cm is related to western wells and the highest EC with more than 10000 µmho/cm in is related to eastern wells. This reinforces positive effect of flood spreading. Considering spatial pattern, effect of flood spreading projects in this area has been positive and has been able to control the decline in quality of groundwater.

A significant portion of hyperspectral image (HSI) analysis involves detecting anomalous pixels, which are indicative of interesting phenomena or objects. One of the main challenges is the presence of outlier and noisy pixels in background data due to the variety of spectral signatures in heterogeneous HSIs. This article presents an effective approach using both spectral and spatial features for anomaly detection. The median filter with an appropriate size driven by using the principal component information is used for cleaning the background. Then, the image is segmented using the watershed approach. The anomaly detection occurs based on the spatial resolution by calculating each pixel's distance from its segment via spectral angle or Euclidean distance. The proposed Watershed Anomaly Detector (WAD), employs spatial features to segment the HSI properly. It also uses spectral features within each segment to detect anomalous pixels. The WAD outperforms other methods due to its simplicity and conceptual clarity. Notably, its underlying equation offers broader applicability for HSI segmentation tasks. Experiments on three benchmark datasets show WAD achieves higher accuracy and faster execution versus state-of-the-art techniques. On average across the datasets and methods, WAD attained a 6.45% higher area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and ran 26.95 s faster than other detectors. The WAD effectively detects anomalies in varied spectral and spatial resolutions. The results highlight the stability, robustness and computational efficiency of the proposed approach across diverse data. The simultaneous effectiveness and efficiency make WAD well-suited for near real-time anomaly detection applications.

Patients with a persistent primitive trigeminal artery frequently have a poorly developed vertebrobasilar arterial system. However, they are not at higher risk of stroke and most are asymptomatic. Left cerebral watershed infarction was identified in a 75-year-old man who presented with aphasia and disorientation on magnetic resonance image (MRI). Additional imaging studies also demonstrated a right persistent primitive trigeminal artery, aplastic basilar artery, and 47% left internal carotid artery stenosis. Antiplatelet medication was administered and he was discharged 2 weeks after admission on aspirin. At the 4-month follow-up, cerebral blood flow in the left watershed territory was still decreased; however, no recurrent stroke had occurred. Although the indication for surgical or endovascular intervention for internal carotid artery stenosis is primarily determined by the degree of stenosis, cerebral blood flow evaluation is recommended in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis and a persistent primitive trigeminal artery.

Background Excess nitrogen (N) loading to coastal ecosystems impairs estuarine water quality. Land management decisions made within estuarine watersheds have a direct impact on downstream N delivery. Natural features within watersheds can act as landscape sinks for N, such as wetlands, streams and ponds that transform dissolved N into gaseous N, effectively removing it from the aquatic system. Identifying and evaluating these landscape sinks and their spatial relationship to N sources can help managers understand the effects of alternative decisions on downstream resources. Methods The N-Sink approach uses widely available GIS data to identify landscape sinks within HUC-12 (or larger) catchments, estimate their N removal potential and map the effect of those sinks on N movement through the catchment. Static maps are produced to visualize N removal efficiency, transport and delivery, the latter in the form of an index. The R package nsink was developed to facilitate data acquisition, processing and visualization. Results nsink creates static maps for a specific HUC-12, or users can visit the University of Connecticut website to explore previously mapped areas. Users can investigate specific flowpaths interactively by clicking on any location within the catchment. A flowpath is generated with a table describing N removal along each segment. We describe the motivation behind developing nsink, discuss implementation in R, and present two use case examples. nsink is available from https://github.com/USEPA/nsink. Conclusions N-Sink is a decision support tool created for local decision-makers and NGOs to facilitate better understanding of the relationship between land use and downstream N delivery. Local decision-makers that have prioritized N mitigation in their long-term planning can use nsink to better understand the potential impact of proposed development projects, zoning variances, and land acquisition or restoration. nsink also allows resource economists to investigate the tradeoffs among different, often costly, N reduction strategies.

This article explores the topic of large-scale dam removal and its impact on ecosystems. It emphasizes the importance of rivers in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services. The article highlights the need for more research and monitoring efforts to understand the outcomes of dam removal projects, as most studies have focused on smaller structures. The research presented in the article covers various aspects of dam removal, including ecology, water quality, fish populations, terrestrial ecology, and the social and economic aspects of restoration. The article concludes by acknowledging the complexity of dam removal and the need for further research to fully understand the long-term effects of restoration efforts. [Extracted from the article]

The present study aims to develop a protocol for determining the suitability of ponds in Nuh watershed, Haryana, India, using hydrological zoning, analytic hierarchy process, weighted overlay approach and geospatial techniques. Maximum area is in moderate and low run-off zones, with 50.43% and 32.4% of the area covering 104 and 129 ponds respectively. Area under least, moderate, high suitable zones are 33.2%, 51.92% and 11.38% respectively. Also, 137 more ponds are proposed, with 2, 49 and 86 ponds having very high, high and moderate suitable zones respectively. If these 472 ponds are revived, additional areas can be brought under irrigation in the watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two years of monthly sampling and hydrological monitoring were performed at the outlet of a Mediterranean watershed in northern Tunisia to determine the contents of 469 pesticide active ingredients and metabolites in water and evaluate their behavior. Wadi Guenniche is a tributary of the Bizerte coastal lagoon, with a watershed area of 86 km2, which exhibits pluvial cereal, legume, and orchid cultivation and irrigated market gardening. Twenty-nine pesticide active ingredients and 2 metabolites were detected in water. Twenty-four pesticide active ingredients were authorized for use in Tunisia. Among them, 14 had never been mentioned in previous farmer surveys. Five herbicides and their metabolites were the most frequently detected: aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) (100%), glyphosate (94%), simazine (94%), 2,4-D (70%), and deisopropylatrazine (DIA) (47%). The detection frequency and concentration range suggested that the phytosanitary pressure and resulting water contamination are close to those on the northern Mediterranean shore. These results, in addition to characterizing the pollution state, emphasized the need for additional studies on the use and fate of pesticides on the southern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in Tunisia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Payments for ecosystem services have recently been introduced into the ecosystem management landscape to counter ecosystem degradation. This study examines the experiences of sustainable use and management of watersheds using a compensation for ecosystem service model in the Koga watershed, Northern Ethiopia. The study primarily employed qualitative methods. Thirteen informants, chosen from a group of project implementers, were contacted for telephone interviews, and a document analysis was also conducted. Thematic approaches were employed to analysis the data. The study findings revealed that a project had been introduced to implement an innovative payment/compensation for ecosystem services (CES) scheme to manage watersheds and to alleviate poverty in the watershed. The scheme connected upstream and downstream communities and cooperatives through CES, earning praise for its effectiveness in combating dam siltation and watershed degradation. The initiative also established various enabling conditions, such as capacity building, bylaw formulation, and payment procedures for beneficiary communities. However, the CES scheme still has a long way to go to deliver the anticipated positive impacts on local livelihoods and watershed management. It is believed that a comprehensive legal framework, a stable political and social environment, and sustainable financing mechanisms are crucial for the success of any CES project. Therefore, Ethiopia should strive to meet these requirements to ensure that any future CES projects are designed and implemented sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening community engagement in stewardship can help to improve management of coastal and freshwater environments (blue spaces). Research suggests that recreational users of natural areas may be more willing to engage in stewardship. However, little research at a population scale has examine how recreation experiences shape psychological ingredients for stewardship.We surveyed 3271 residents of South East Queensland, Australia and quantified willingness to engage in blue space stewardship. We then quantified frequency of different types of blue space recreation, perceptions about threats to blue spaces (threat appraisal) and protective actions (coping appraisal), and satisfaction with blue spaces. We then examined pathways from recreation to stewardship intentions using mediation analysis.Results show that many types of recreation were associated with stewardship intentions. Specifically, higher frequency of social activities and nature‐appreciation activities were associated with greater intentions for individual stewardship (e.g. picking up litter, reducing use of household chemicals). Higher frequency of social activities, nature appreciation, exercise and fishing/boating was associated with stronger intentions for collective stewardship (e.g. attending a public meeting or riparian management event)Mediation analysis showed that most forms of recreation did not influence perceptions about severity of threats to blue spaces. Rather, the relationships between recreation and stewardship were mediated by greater place satisfaction, perceived vulnerability to blue space degradation, and feeling more able to contribute to waterway protection (efficacy).These findings indicate that many types of recreation (not just nature appreciation activities) can be a foundation for engaging in nature stewardship, and reinforce the importance of building efficacy when promoting stewardship. The finding that both place satisfaction and perceived vulnerability to environmental degradation suggests that there may be an optimal motivational window for stewardship: people need to connect a place with positive experiences, and have some recognition of a potential threat, but where the potential threat has not yet eroded the natural values of a place. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitiligo is a dermatological condition characterized by depigmentation of the skin, resulting from the loss of melanocytes. Automatic image analysis methods are essential for diagnosing vitiligo and tracking its development. Because it is good at defining object boundaries, watershed segmentation is a frequently used technique for segmenting medical images. However, traditional watershed segmentation may produce oversegmentation and under-segmentation issues in vitiligo images due to their complex and irregular patterns. This research paper proposes a modified watershed segmentation approach tailored specifically for vitiligo image analysis. The proposed method incorporates pre-processing steps to enhance image contrast and reduce noise, followed by a novel marker-based watershed segmentation algorithm. In this algorithm, markers are strategically placed based on local intensity and texture features to guide the segmentation process and improve boundary delineation. Annotated ground truth images from a collection of vitiligo images are used to assess the effectiveness of the suggested technique. Several quantitative indicators, including accuracy, the Jaccard index, and the Dice similarity coefficient, are used to compare the segmentation outcomes produced by the suggested method with those produced by advanced techniques. Experimental results demonstrate that the modified watershed segmentation method outperforms existing approaches in accurately segmenting vitiligo lesions while minimizing over-segmentation and undersegmentation errors. The proposed method shows promising potential for aiding dermatologists in diagnosing and monitoring vitiligo progression, facilitating timely treatment interventions, and improving patient confidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at assessing the long term impacts of watershed management interventions and scenarios on sediment export reduction in the data-scarce region of the Yezat watershed in north-west Ethiopia. The modified ecosystem services valuation model (InVEST) was employed to evaluate the amount of sediment export in the watershed. Different watershed management intervention scenarios were applied to evaluate the effectiveness of watershed management interventions on sediment export reduction. The results of the study showed that the mean annual sediment yield was 35 tons ha yr in 20000, due to the expansion of cultivated land and built-up area. Conversely, it decreased from 35 ton ha yr in 2000 -18.4 ton ha yr in 2021 due to watershed management interventions. On the contrary, moderate, severe, and very severe categories of sediment export intensity were high in 2000. But it decreased in 2021 due to watershed management interventions. The mean annual sediment export in the baseline scenario (BS) was 35 tons per year, which was reduced to 13.39 tons per year, 3.46 tons per year, and 1.17 tons per year in the reforestation scenario, soil/stone bund, and integrated scenarios, respectively. The result revealed that areas covered by high sediment severity classes were reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an approach to the assessment of the environmental impact of a dam construction for agricultural use in the Boutheldja region. This region's environment is rich in natural resources and forms a part of the El Kala National Park (P.N.E.K). It was designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention by UNESCO in 1983 and later declared a biosphere reserve in 1990. It is among the most significant aquatic areas in this region (contains about 40% of surface water resources). The physical characteristics of the watershed support the construction of the dam, although there could be a number of unfavorable effects: upstream -- including soil erosion and reservoir sedimentation, reduced storage capacity, lower water quality and loss of productivity of flooded area; downstream -- removal of silt from downstream flows, loss of fertilising functions, changes in water quality, changes in productivity, reduction in natural floods, loss of access to resources and ecological disturbance. Such processes will have an impact on an ecosystem so fragile. Although Boukhroufa dam provides significant benefits to the city, such as controlling stream regime, preventing floods, and supplying agricultural water from stored water, it also has significant negative effects on the surrounding watershed ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has ability to intensify the magnitude of flood and drought episodes, as well as their amplitude; also it has the potential to exacerbate hydrological extremes. It is crucial to forecast changes to hydrological regimes and determine the level of uncertainty around them to increase resilience and prepare for future changes. In order to enlighten long-term estimates, an attempt has been made to sustain the available water resources through Calibration and Validation of river discharge data using SWAT model for Upper Yamuna River Basin. Spatial climatic data were further crystallized to forecast climatic projection scenarios for Base line period, Mid-Century and End Century considering RCPs 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5. Result reveals that the average annual minimum temperature is estimated to be increased 1.4 °C in Mid-Century and 2.2 °C in End Century from the Base line Scenario while the average annual maximum temperature is found to be increased 1.5 °C in Mid-Century and 2.1 °C in End Century from the Base line Scenario. Further, while analyzing the hydrological components, Soil water percentage is expected to be increased in Mid-Century, whereas Percolation rate is found to be increased for all scenarios other than BL-MC (4.5) which is an indication of rise in Ground water. In addition to it, Surface flow is observed as a considerable increase from 4.33 to 72.69% in all scenarios. Also the Surface flow is more in case of End Century as compared to the Mid-Century. The estimated Ground water flow is found to be increased except BL-MC (4.5 & 8.5). Overall water yield has been estimated as a relative change from 7.06 to 18.70% based upon the specified conditions. The prediction for Evapotranspiration values is found as decreased in all scenarios except BL-MC (4.5 & 8.5). The outcome of the present study is very useful for planning of development strategies in the project area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid deterioration of the upper Akaki catchment natural environment has led to an increasing impact not only on the watershed ecosystem but also the livelihood and the general well‐being of the local community. As a result, the water supply is becoming a problem for Addis Ababa and its surrounding residents. This may lead to a greater willingness to pay and cooperate in initiatives to protect the watersheds. Therefore, a market‐based instrument and participatory arrangements are critical for resolving socioecological problems. This research aimed to demonstrate a need for an incentive‐based watershed conservation approach that can be used to support nature conservation through long‐term financial investments in the central watersheds and elsewhere. To support the market‐based intervention, sealable ecosystem services and cost–benefit analysis, as well as relevant stakeholders, institutions, and legal frameworks, were assessed. The prime factors for designing market‐based approaches to halt biodiversity loss and reversing ecological processes are discussed. A domestic water tariff increase of ETB 1 per m3 (US$ 0.08) could raise approximately US$ 3.24 million annually for watershed management, which could compensate smallholder farmers' annual opportunity costs for crop and livestock forage loss. Furthermore, the practice could help to abate biodiversity loss, improve the local economy, and accelerate the implementation of global biodiversity targets. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:965–974. © 2023 SETAC Key Points: The rapid deterioration of watersheds is impacting the ecosystem and the well‐being of people.Water supply issues prompt collaboration on a watershed protection program.Raising financial resources could compensate farmers.Watershed management accelerates meeting biodiversity targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biophysical changes in land in sub-watershed areas (DAS) due to uncontrolled population pressure cause a decrease in the biophysical characteristics of the watershed. This has caused the loss of the hydroorganological attributes of the watershed. This can be seen from the frequent surface flows, erosion, and flooding in this watershed area. This condition is also supported by the nature of the watershed morphology in the upstream region, which is steeper than in the middle and downstream parts. This research aims to see the influence of what biophysical properties are dominant in determining infiltration in watersheds. The method used is the land survey method. Soil sampling was done using purposive random sampling, and each land use was based on the slope. The soil samples taken were disturbed and intact soil samples. This soil sample is analyzed in the laboratory to determine the value of the physical properties of the soil (texture, permeability, volume weight, total pore space, organic matter content, soil structure). The infiltration rate was also measured in the field using a double-ring infiltrometer. The data is processed using the Horton model to calculate the infiltration rate. Soil parameter data is processed using the Principle Component Analysis (PCA) model to determine the factors that determine the biophysical properties of the watershed in influencing infiltration in the watershed. The analysis results of all research soil data parameters show that sand and clay fractions, soil structure, and soil density level (volume weight) greatly determine the biophysical character of the central Ulakan watershed. The main soil fraction that influences biophysics is the sand fraction. The highest infiltration rate was found in shrubland compared to mixed gardens. The soil will be saturated in 25-30 minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Erosion is a disaster on agricultural land. Due to extreme weather, flash floods, erosion, and landslides occurred in several areas of Minahasa Regency. The Kamenti Tulap watershed is one of the areas on the East Coast of Minahasa that experienced the flash flood disaster and was affected by material losses and damaged agricultural land. The Kamenti Tulap watershed needs to be managed well because it is a source of drinking water and domestic needs and a source of livelihood for the local community as farmers. The erosion hazard index is needed to determine the condition of soil damage in the Kamenti Tulap watershed. This research aims to calculate the potential erosion, actual erosion, and erosion hazard index using the USLE-RUSLE-MUSLE method integrated with spatial technology to obtain its distribution in the Kamanti Tulap watershed. The materials used are base maps such as research area, watershed, slope, land use, soil map, and rainfall data. The result analysis is Kamenti Tulap Watershed with an 891.53 ha spread across the potential and actual erosion hazard index classes. The high class of potential erosion hazard index of 30.52% spread over 118 land units is generally moderately steep (25-40%). The very high class of actual erosion hazard index spread over 146 land units with a coverage area of about 13.81% and generally on mixed garden land. The government needs information on erosion hazard index classification to determine priority areas for land rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The watershed is the earliest geographical unit of human activity and the tensest area in terms of human–land relations. Focussing solely on individual watershed spaces makes it difficult to comprehensively reflect and address complex human–land issues. For the complex processes of the origin, dissemination, communication and integration of civilisations, a more macroscopic scale is also needed for systematic understanding and analysis. The exchange and mutual learning amongst the Yellow River Basin, Yangtze River Basin and Grand Canal region promote the diversity and innovation of culture, making them the 'typical containers' of Chinese civilisation. Based on the uniqueness and correlation of regions such as the Yellow River Basin, Yangtze River Basin and Grand Canal, this study constructs the concept of a 'Yellow-Canal-Yangtze' watershed community, combining existing disciplinary advances and summarizing its spatial, temporal and elemental characteristics. This research is conducive to promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of excellent traditional culture, assisting in the protection of watershed cultural heritage systems and the governance of watershed ecosystems, and promoting regional coordinated and interconnected development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]