Fei Wang,Binliang Lin,William B. Rauen, CARDIFF UNIVERSITY, SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING, wangf3@cf.ac.uk
ABSTRACT
An integrated eco-hydraulics model has been developed and applied to simulate the ecological values of water dependent ecosystems in an eco-city, which is designed to be ecologically friendly in water and energy at a low level of risk. The model comprises a two-dimensional hydrodynamic and water quality model and an ecological model Habitat Suitability Index (HSI). The modelling work in this study aims to understand the roles of different flows for different bioperiods of aquatic habitat and keep the quality and quantity of the water flowing through the river in the eco-city within acceptable limits. Three scenarios were simulated, based on the current flow rates in the supply river for different stages. With the purpose of improving the river habitat, flow augmentation simulations were implemented for the Jiyun River. The modelling results indicated that the optimum ecological water requirement in the study area is between 144 and 192 m3 /s from March to November and between 112 and 144 m3 /s from December to February. However, due to water shortage in the study area, flow augmentation may not be achievable unless significantly more water can be diverted onto the river. The planner should consider other interventions, such as channel modification.
Key words: ecological water requirements, habitat suitability index, 2D numerical simulation