An environmental flow assessment method based on the relationships between flow and ecological response: A case study of the Three Gorges Reservoir and its downstream reach

摘要: The current environmental flow assessment of Chinese rivers is thought to have three shortcomings: first that requirements reservoirs in dammed are usually not explicitly considered; the second enough attentions been paid inherent links between regime and ecological processes; third most studies focus on variable range merely one hydrological element such as discharge needed by riverine ecosystems. Here, proposed a holistic method for assessment, flow-ecological response relationship suitable large with relatively abundant data. Based conceptual models quantitative relationships response, this comprehensively considers conservation both reservoir its downstream reach. Then, it applied assessing flows Three Gorges Reservoir reach following steps: 1) Construction response; 2) identification targets their key periods; 3) development indicators indictors; 4) preliminary according tradeoff water demands human. hydrographs obtained explicit targets, time schedule achieving each target, characteristics multiple elements flow, level, frequency, timing, duration rate change. case study has tested reasonability feasibility method, results expected provide technical support decision reference improving operation Gorges-Gezhouba cascade reservoirs.