Variation in water yield of Yellow River Basin in the Gansu Section from 2000 to 2020

【Objective】Water yield is a key parameter for assessing water productivity, with significant spatiotemporal variation. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal variation in water yield in the Gansu Section of the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2020.【Method】The InVEST model was employed to calculate water yield, while spatial pattern analysis, trend analysis, and hot-spot and cold-spot analysis were conducted to assess distribution patterns, temporal changes, and key areas of variation in water yield. 【Result】Between 2000 and 2020, the average water yield in the Gansu Section of the Yellow River Basin increased from 295.09 mm to 442.12 mm. Water yield showed a strong correlation with elevation, with the highest water yield observed in Gannan Prefecture and the lowest in Baiyin and Qingyang. Land-use analysis revealed that liquid water bodies contributed the most to water yield, while contributions from snow and glaciers varied due to interannual climatic fluctuations.【Conclusion】From 2000 to 2020, the water yield in the Gansu Section of the Yellow River increased, with significant spatial variation. This variation was primarily influenced by elevation, climate conditions, and land-use types. These findings highlight the need for improved water resource management strategies in the region.