Effects of cascade hydropower stations on hydrologic cycle in Xiying river basin, a runoff in Qilian mountain

Establishing terraced hydropower stations in mountainous regions with abundant hydropower resources is a highly efficient approach to fostering socio-economic development. Nevertheless, the construction of hydropower stations would eventually cause substantial alterations in the hydrological cycle of a particular basin or region due to the artificial spatial distribution of water resources. This study examines the effects on the water cycle of stepped hydropower stations in the arid zone of Xiying River, in the northwestern of China. The study’s findings indicate that: (1) Hydropower stations rivers exceeded natural rivers in evaporation losses following the construction of these plants, leading to isotope enrichment in surface water. (2) Cascade hydropower station’s evaporative effect increases the proportion of recirculated water vapor within precipitation. (3) Increased surface and groundwater exchange through cascade hydropower stations. Consequently, when managing water resources in arid regions, it is imperative to consider the influence of artificial water conservancy structures, such as graded hydropower stations, on the local hydrologic cycle.