Prof. Lihe Yin
China Geological Survey, China
Title: Review on Eco-hydrological Processes of Groundwater-dependent Vegetation
Abstract:
The relationship between groundwater and vegetation is crucial to achieve a harmonious balance between human and the natural environment. Groundwater-dependent vegetation (GDV) is extensively distributed in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China. In certain areas, the decline in water table levels due to human activities has fallen below ecological water level thresholds, leading to the degradation of ecological functions and, in some cases, widespread vegetation die-off. A comprehensive review was conducted concerning GDV mapping, ecological resilience assessment, groundwater-vegetation co-evolution, and ecological water table. Through this review, key deficiencies were identified, and future research directions were outlined. The review revealed limited research on GDV mapping at the watershed scale in Northwest China, highlighting the need for further refinement on the stable isotope method for ground validation of mapping results. Current studies on ecological indicators, overlooking underground indicators and lacking a comprehensive evaluation based on resistance, recovery, and adaptability. Qualitative assessments of ecological resilience prevail in current research, falling short of meeting the requirements for effective ecological conservation and restoration. Challenges in researching the co-evolution of vegetation and groundwater arise from the difficulty in accurately detecting changes in root systems. Further studies are warranted to develop root detection methods and three-dimensional models for simulating the co-evolution of roots and water sources. Concerning ecological water tables, the focus remains on static water levels determined by current conditions, with insufficient consideration of spatial variations in precipitation and lateral groundwater flow. Additional research is essential to establish dynamic ecological water levels under varying external conditions. This review aims to summarize the progress and future prospects of research on eco-hydrological processes of GDV, addressing the weak research areas. By doing so, it aims to provide a robust scientific foundation for further theoretical research and practical applications on eco-hydrology in NW China.
Biography:
I am a professor and PhD supervisor, and Editor-in-Chief of Northwestern Geology journal. My research primarily focuses on regional hydrogeology in arid areas of Northwest China, groundwater circulation, and eco-hydrogeological research. I serve as Director of the Key Laboratory of Groundwater and Ecology in Arid and Semi-arid Areas, China Geological Survey, Director of the Field Scientific Observation and Research Station for Groundwater and Ecology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Head of the Shaanxi Provincial Innovative Research Team on Hydrogeological Processes and Surface Ecology in Arid Areas. I have led more than 20 geological survey and scientific research projects and has published over 180 academic papers. I have been selected for several talent programs such as the Leading Scientific and Technological Innovation Talent of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Leading Scientific and Technological Innovation Talent of Shaanxi Province.