5.1-Hydrological and multiple resource simulation models - Applications in mountainous areas

Abstract

Mountainous areas are being subjected to many changes, both planned and unplanned, which affect the hydrological and other resources found on them. These changes can have either beneficIal or adverse impacts on people. Therefore, that predictions of these impacts are needed before extensive land god resource modifications are implemented or otherwise allowed to occur. Large numbers of field observations and studies have been made on the effects of land use changes on the hydrological and other resources in mountainous areas. Information from these investigations is invaluable and should be enlarged upon. However, source data that are obtained from one location seldom can be applied directly to estimate impacts at other locations. Alternative means of predicting consequences of land use on mountainous areas are required in many instances. One such means can be the application of hydrological and multiple—resource simulation models.