River and lake watersheds are critical areas for human activities, particularly in large river deltas that offer abundant resources and significant advantages for agriculture, transportation, and industry. However, these valuable resources are increasingly under pressure due to climate change, population growth, urbanization, and industrial activities. Soil erosion driven by hydrological processes is a key factor in material transport within watersheds, making the monitoring and modeling of these processes essential. Recent studies have utilized geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) methods to monitor and model geographic factors in river and lake watersheds. Despite these advancements, there remain significant gaps in understanding the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of watershed water and soil elements, particularly under the influence of climate change and human activities. Addressing these gaps is crucial for ensuring watershed ecological safety and sustainable development.
This research topic aims to explore the evolution mechanisms and effects of watershed soil and water processes through advanced monitoring and modeling techniques. The primary objectives include understanding the spatial-temporal distribution patterns of hydrological and soil factors, revealing the evolution mechanisms of watershed hydrological processes, and providing a scientific basis for watershed development regulation and comprehensive management. Specific questions to be addressed include: How do climate change and human activities influence the spatial-temporal distribution of watershed elements? What are the interaction mechanisms between different watershed geographic factors? How can integrated modeling improve the prediction and management of watershed processes?
To gather further insights into the monitoring and modeling of runoff and soil processes in river basins, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Monitoring of hydrological factors in lakes and rivers;
• Monitoring of watershed soil and water ecological environment indicators;
• Monitoring of soil and water processes and simulation of sediment transport;
• Watershed water cycle and material transport;
• Integration of RS and GIS in water resource management.
Keywords: Hydrology, Global change and regional response, Remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
