Impact of climate change on streamflow in the Xitiaoxi catchment, Taihu Basin

Abstract

The impact of climate change on streamflow in the Xitiaoxi catchment is assessed by using VIC (variable infiltration capacity) model coupled with PRECIS (providing regional climate for impacts studies). Results show that the VIC model is adaptable for the study area. Both deterministic coefficient and Nash-Suttcliffe efficiency coefficient are greater than 0.75, with a good agreement between observed and simulated discharge. The runoff will increase in the future, especially during flood seasons. The magnitude of floods in the future (2021–2050) under A2 and B2 scenarios will be greater than that during the baseline period (1961–1990), but it may not exceed that during the 1990s.