Assessment of climate change and anthropogenic stress on streamflow

Abstract

Streamflow is a basic element of hydrological cycle. A shift in streamflow might be a cause of natural disasters. Streamflow is affected by various climate factors and anthropogenic stress. This study analyzed the streamflow variation and quantified the effects of climate and anthropogenic stress in sub-watersheds of the Han River basin, Korea using breakpoint analysis and a climate elasticity approach. A breakpoint in streamflow time series was determined in 1996, the time series was divided into two periods 1966-1996 (natural) and 1997-2014 (disturbed) period. The streamflow alteration was found more sensitive to climate factors, whereas anthrophonic stress was remained a secondary factor altering streamflow in the watershed. However, a persistent rise in anthropogenic stress was observed during the last few decades, which might a cause of the hydrological disaster.