The influence of change in river networks on waterway connectivity and flooding processes

ABSTRACT

Urbanization disrupts river networks, alters waterway connectivity, and elevates flood control pressure. Quantitatively assessing river network changes and their impact on waterway connectivity and flooding processes is imperative. We constructed a waterway connectivity evaluation model and a hydrologic–hydrodynamic model to assess the river network, the waterway connectivity and the flooding change in the Qinhuai River Basin, and used scenario analysis to determine the effectiveness of different topology changes. The results showed a 0.09 decline in connectivity from 2000 to 2010, which led to a peak occurrence time 1 h earlier, an increase in peak discharge by 2.59 m³/s and a rise in peak water level by 51 mm. Scenario analysis demonstrated that adding tributaries can enhance both connectivity and flood resilience. Increasing river width effectively reduces peak water levels while minimally affecting connectivity. Extending river length has a negligible effect on peak water levels but may decrease waterway connectivity.

KEYWORDS:

• River network
• waterway connectivity
• peak water level
• peak discharge
• the Qinhuai River basin

Editor A. Fiori; Associate Editor K. Schroter

Editor A. Fiori; Associate Editor K. Schroter

Acknowledgements

We sincerely thank the editorial team and two anonymous reviewers who offered constructive advice to improve the overall quality of the paper.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 52079039], the National Key R&D Projects of China [Grant No. 2021YFC3000104], and the Postgraduate Research & Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province [Grant No. KYCX22_0645].