Research Status of Environmental Flow Requirements

摘要

This paper discussed different understandings of environmental flow requirements (EFRs), introduced the main categories of environmental flow requirements methodologies (EFRMs) and analyzed their suitability. Typical approaches in the development of EFRMs and the exploration in China were described. According to the analyses above, some key issues in the research of EFRs were summarized. It is believed that to improve the research of EFRs, understanding of the relationship between hydrologic alterations and ecological functions should be made certain and the availability of related data should be strengthened. Approaches suit to local rivers should be developed in desired areas.