Interaction between water and carbon cycles in Lushui river basin simulated using an ecological model driven by remote sensing

This paper used the revised BEPS ecological model to simulate net primary productivity (NPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) of terrestrial ecosystems in Lushui river watershed. Results showed that in recent years climate variability was mainly characterized by decrease in precipitation, especially in April, May and June (wet season). ET trended to increase in July, August and September (dry season). The temporal trend of runoff mirrored that of precipitation well. Simulated NPP declined noticeably in the study period, especially in the dry season. Precipitation, ET, runoff, and temperature have significant influences on simulated NPP during the period from April to September. Monthly precipitation might affect the monthly NPP in the month after the following month (p<;0.05). Monthly NPP might be affected by the total of precipitation in previous four months, indicating the significant dependence of NPP on the water cycle in this study area.