Characteristics of Poyang Lake Water Area Changes and Driving Factors

Abstract

Functioning as a crucial ecological safeguard for the Yangtze River's middle and lower basins, Poyang Lake's shifting water levels present substantial risks to local environmental stability. This study investigated uncovering distinct patterns in the lake's surface area variations across three decades, marked by progressive reduction and dynamic oscillations. Notably, dry season water coverage has experienced dramatic contraction, while seasonal disparities between high and low water periods have grown increasingly pronounced. These transformations demonstrate clear cyclical response behaviors. Analysis of causal factors suggests these alterations stem from complex interactions between climatic shifts and anthropogenic influences. Changes in precipitation patterns caused by the weakening of the monsoon, frequent extreme drought and flood events, and increased evaporation have exacerbated water imbalance in lake areas. Hydraulic infrastructure like the Three Gorges Dam has dramatically transformed the dynamic interaction between river systems and lake ecosystems, substantially diminishing the Yangtze River's natural water supply capacity to adjacent lakes. Historical land reclamation has continued to reduce water space, and competition between water resource development and urbanization has further squeezed ecological needs. It is worth noting that when natural droughts overlap with human interference, human activities have become the dominant driving force. The shrinkage and fluctuations of water bodies have triggered ecological degradation, such as biodiversity decline, and the restoration process exhibits significant lag. Based on this, this study proposes comprehensive management strategies including coordinated water resource scheduling in river basins, wetland ecological space restoration, and climate-appropriate management.