Response of hydrological processes to land cover and climate changes in Songhuaba watershed, Southwest China

Previous studies have shown that climate conditions and land use are the primary factors influencing water resources and water environment. It is very important in scientific knowledge and practical value for understanding and answering water crisis to study relativity of land use and climate change on water resource. In this research, a case study in Songhuaba Watershed, a vital part of Dianchi was carried out to investigate relativity of land use and climate change on water resource by discussing influence of land use and climate change on river runoff and total nitrogen based on SWAT model. The main results and conclusions of this research are as follows:Climate change was the most important factor impacting river runoff in Songhuaba Watershed. Land use had little impact on river runoff change as a whole. Both land use and climate changes were primary factors influencing total nitrogen load in Songhuaba Watershed. Conversion of cropland to forest has positive significance on increasing river runoff and decreasing total nitrogen in river.