Topic Editors

Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China
Prof. Dr. Jinlong Zhou
College of Hydraulic and Civil Engineering, Xinjiang Agriculture University, Urumqi 830052, China
Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Science, Shijiazhuang 050061, China
Dr. Jibin Han
Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China
1. Tianjin Center, China Geological Survey, Tianjin 300170, China
2. North China Center for Geoscience Innovation, China Geological Survey, Tianjin 300170, China

The Hydrosphere in Crisis: Human Impact, Climate Change, and Pathways to Resilience, 2nd Edition

Abstract submission deadline
31 October 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
31 December 2026
Viewed by
11396

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Our planet is currently undergoing unprecedented, rapid, and drastic changes driven by human activities and the climate system. These changes have far-reaching implications across various components of the Earth system, posing a significant threat to human survival. Among all Earth system spheres, the hydrosphere is fundamental to the existence of nearly all life on Earth, the maintenance of the life-sustaining eco-environment, and the development of human society. The history of human development can be seen as a journey of water exploration, management, and utilization. At the same time, the hydrosphere is the most sensitive sphere to external changes. Over the past few hundred years, the rapid development of human society has severely compromised the quantity and quality of water resources. In addition to human-induced factors, climate warming is widely recognized as the most extensive and profound factor affecting the global state of the hydrosphere and water resource availability. It is not an overstatement to say that the Earth's hydrosphere is under immense pressure from human society and global warming, undergoing unprecedented transformations. As a result, water crises and water-related geohazards are becoming increasingly frequent. Given these challenges, we have launched this topic on the hydrosphere to gather the latest and most innovative insights into its current status, its evolution driven by anthropogenic activities and climate warming, and the corresponding strategies, policies, and technologies needed to address these issues.

The first edition of the Topic titled “Hydrosphere Under the Driving of Human Activity and Climate Change: Status, Evolution and Strategies” was highly successful. It significantly advanced our understanding of hydrological systems across continental to coastal environments, with a focus on hydrogeochemical processes, human impacts, and resource sustainability.

This second edition titled “The Hydrosphere in Crisis: Human Impact, Climate Change, and Pathways to Resilience, 2nd Edition” aims to build on the success of the first by delving deeper into emerging challenges, such as the intensifying impacts of extreme weather events on water systems. It also explores novel research directions, including the integration of advanced digital technologies in hydrological monitoring, and recent technological and policy developments, like the adoption of innovative water treatment technologies and new governance frameworks for transboundary water resources. The aims of this new editon are to collect the latest and most innovative insights into the current state of the hydrosphere, its evolution influenced by anthropogenic activities and climate warming, and to explore corresponding strategies, policies, and technologies for resilience.

We encourage submissions of various manuscript types, including Review Articles, Perspective Papers, Innovative Case Studies, Original Research, and Short Communications. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Surface and subsurface water circulation;
  • Surface water and groundwater interaction;
  • Water resource sustainable development;
  • Hydrochemistry formation and water quality assessment;
  • Geothermal water genesis and development;
  • Water behaviors and related geohazards;
  • Nature-based Solutions for water management;
  • Water resource management and policy;
  • Water knowledge dissemination;
  • Hydrosphere digitalization;
  • Artificial Intelligence in water resource research and management;
  • Machine Learning in hydrological studies;
  • Water-Energy-Food Nexus under climate stress;
  • Water governance;
  • Socio-economic impacts;
  • Resilience strategies.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this important topic.

Dr. Yong Xiao
Prof. Dr. Jinlong Zhou
Dr. Qichen Hao
Dr. Jibin Han
Dr. Wanjun Jiang
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • hydrosphere
  • water security
  • sustainable water management
  • nature-based solutions
  • climate resilience
  • water governance
  • water resource
  • water quality
  • geothermal water
  • human activity
  • climate change
  • groundwater flow system
  • ecological environment
  • water-energy-food nexus

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Sciences
applsci
2.5 5.5 2011 16 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Atmosphere
atmosphere
2.3 4.9 2010 19.7 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Earth
earth
3.4 5.9 2020 21.3 Days CHF 1400 Submit
Hydrology
hydrology
3.2 5.9 2014 17.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit
Sustainability
sustainability
3.3 7.7 2009 17.9 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Water
water
3.0 6.0 2009 18.9 Days CHF 2600 Submit

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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25 pages, 5656 KB  
Article
Hydrogeochemical Processes, Governing Factors, and Comprehensive Quality Evaluation of Groundwater in an Arid Alpine Basin on the Tibetan Plateau
by Hongming Peng, Zejun Xia, Xu Guo, Yong Xiao, Youjing Yuan, Zhen Zhao, Yan Ren, Jiahao Liu, Chen Li, Wanping Wang and Peiyuan Zhan
Sustainability 2026, 18(9), 4505; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18094505 - 3 May 2026
Viewed by 776
Abstract
Groundwater is a critical lifeline for ecosystems and human settlements in arid and semi-arid regions, yet it is increasingly vulnerable to the dual pressures of extreme climatic conditions and intensifying anthropogenic activities. This study investigated 24 groundwater and 4 river water samples to [...] Read more.
Groundwater is a critical lifeline for ecosystems and human settlements in arid and semi-arid regions, yet it is increasingly vulnerable to the dual pressures of extreme climatic conditions and intensifying anthropogenic activities. This study investigated 24 groundwater and 4 river water samples to discuss the hydrogeochemical evolution and water quality suitability in the Tianjun Basin, a typical high-altitude arid basin on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau. The results indicate that groundwater is mildly alkaline (pH: 7.65–8.35) and predominantly fresh (TDS: 233.77–1061.42 mg/L). Hydrochemical facies evolve from HCO3-Ca type in upstream areas to Mixed HCO3-Na·Ca and Cl-Na types. Hydrochemical analysis suggests that silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution are the dominant natural processes, while cation exchange further modifies the ionic composition. Notably, anthropogenic nitrogen (NO3 and NH4+) contamination, primarily from domestic sewage in the Tianjun Basin, has significantly impacted groundwater quality. Health risk assessment shows that infants are the most vulnerable group, with 16.67% of samples posing a non-carcinogenic risk via the oral pathway. Regarding irrigation suitability, while sodium hazards are generally low, a significant salinity hazard is identified due to elevated electrical conductivity in the arid environment. This poses a substantial risk of secondary soil salinization, necessitating strict salt management strategies to preserve long-term land productivity. These findings provide critical insights for the sustainable management of fragile groundwater resources in extreme arid environments. Full article
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24 pages, 5378 KB  
Article
Unraveling Hydrogeochemical Fingerprints, Formation Mechanisms and Quality Suitability of Groundwater Resource in the Eastern Qaidam Basin on the Tibetan Plateau
by Shaokang Yang, Zhen Zhao, Jiahao Liu, Lipeng Hou, Xu Guo, Guangbin Zhu, Zhihong Zhang, Liwei Wang, Mengyun Wang, Jie Wang and Yong Xiao
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(6), 3043; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16063043 - 21 Mar 2026
Viewed by 297
Abstract
Groundwater is a strategic resource for maintaining ecological balance and supporting human development in arid inland basins. However, under the dual pressures of climate change and human activities, it faces threats in both quantity and quality. This study selects the Chahan Usu River [...] Read more.
Groundwater is a strategic resource for maintaining ecological balance and supporting human development in arid inland basins. However, under the dual pressures of climate change and human activities, it faces threats in both quantity and quality. This study selects the Chahan Usu River watershed in the eastern Qaidam Basin, a typical arid inland basin on the Tibetan Plateau, to assess the current quality of groundwater resources and reveal the formation mechanisms and material sources of its hydrochemistry. The results show that the groundwater in the watershed is generally weakly alkaline, with some areas exhibiting high salinity. The dominant cations and anions are Na+ and Cl, respectively. The hydrochemical type is mainly Cl-Na, with a minority being mixed Cl-Mg·Ca. Overall, the groundwater in the watershed is suitable for domestic use. However, in the middle and lower reaches of the Chahan Usu River, nitrate and ammonia nitrogen contamination reduce its suitability. Meanwhile, although long-term use of this groundwater would not lead to soil degradation, its widespread high salinity and high sodium content make it unsuitable for irrigation. Water–rock interactions with evaporites and silicate rocks are the main mechanisms controlling groundwater chemistry in the watershed. Among them, halite minerals contribute most of the Na+ and Cl, while sulfate minerals provide Ca2+ and SO42−. In addition, cation exchange is widespread. This study provides a reference for ensuring the security and sustainable development of groundwater resources on the plateau. Full article
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31 pages, 11266 KB  
Article
Preventive Zoning for Geosafety Risks of Underground Space Utilization: A Management-Oriented Perspective
by Hongwei Liu, Zhuang Li, Bo Han, Yaonan Bai, Junxi Zhang and Yuyu Wan
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031251 - 26 Jan 2026
Viewed by 482
Abstract
The safe utilization of underground spaces constitutes a critical challenge for densely populated cities, making geosafety risk prevention in underground development a focal point for both academic research and governmental governance. As the pivotal link and ultimate objective in geological safety management, risk [...] Read more.
The safe utilization of underground spaces constitutes a critical challenge for densely populated cities, making geosafety risk prevention in underground development a focal point for both academic research and governmental governance. As the pivotal link and ultimate objective in geological safety management, risk prevention facilitates the transition from theoretical research to administrative practice. This study establishes a management-oriented technical framework for geological risk preventive zoning in underground space utilization, addressing the current research gap where zoning methodologies inadequately integrate with governmental decision-making processes due to insufficient consideration of multidimensional attributes from both researcher and administrator perspectives. Taking Xiong’an New Area in China as a case study, the framework employs a tri-level analytical structure, restrictive tier, limiting tier, and influencing tier, with phased weighting methodologies, CRITIC-EWM for objective weighting vs. AHP-FAHP for subjective weighting. The scientifically validated results demonstrate the framework’s feasibility and scalability. Limitations and future research directions are identified to guide subsequent studies in this field. Full article
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20 pages, 11249 KB  
Review
Karstological Significance of the Study on Deep Fracture–Vug Reservoirs in the Tarim Basin Based on Paleo-Modern Comparison
by Cheng Zeng, Dongling Xia, Yue Dong, Qin Zhang and Danlin Wang
Water 2025, 17(24), 3530; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17243530 - 13 Dec 2025
Viewed by 830
Abstract
The Tarim Basin is currently the largest petroliferous basin in China, with hydrocarbons primarily hosted in Ordovician marine carbonate paleokarst fracture–vug reservoirs—a typical example being the Tahe Oilfield located in the northern structural uplift of the basin. The principle of “the present is [...] Read more.
The Tarim Basin is currently the largest petroliferous basin in China, with hydrocarbons primarily hosted in Ordovician marine carbonate paleokarst fracture–vug reservoirs—a typical example being the Tahe Oilfield located in the northern structural uplift of the basin. The principle of “the present is the key to the past” serves as a core method for studying paleokarst fracture–vug reservoirs in the Tahe Oilfield. The deep and ultra-deep carbonate fracture–vug reservoirs in the Tahe Oilfield formed under humid tropical to subtropical paleoclimates during the Paleozoic Era, belonging to a humid tropical–subtropical paleoepikarst dynamic system. Modern karst types in China are diverse, providing abundant modern karst analogs for paleokarst research in the Tarim Basin. Carbonate regions in Eastern China can be divided into two major zones from north to south: the arid to semiarid north karst and the humid tropical–subtropical south karst. Karst in Northern China is characterized by large karst spring systems, with fissure–conduit networks as the primary aquifers; in contrast, karst in Southern China features underground river networks dominated by conduits and caves. From the perspective of karst hydrodynamic conditions, the paleokarst environment of deep fracture–vug reservoirs in the Tarim Basin exhibits high similarity to the modern karst environment in Southern China. The development patterns of karst underground rivers and caves in Southern China can be applied to comparative studies of carbonate fracture–vug reservoir structures in the Tarim Basin. Research on modern and paleokarst systems complements and advances each other, jointly promoting the development of karstology from different perspectives. Full article
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21 pages, 3683 KB  
Article
Quantifying the Contribution of Driving Factors on Distribution and Change in Vegetation NPP in the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain, China
by Zhuang Li, Hongwei Liu, Jinjie Miao, Yaonan Bai, Bo Han, Danhong Xu, Fengtian Yang and Yubo Xia
Sustainability 2025, 17(19), 8877; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198877 - 4 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1105
Abstract
As a fundamental metric for assessing carbon sequestration, Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and the mechanisms driving its spatiotemporal dynamics constitute a critical research domain within global change science. This research centered on the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain (HHHP), combining 2001–2023 MODIS-NPP data with natural (landform, [...] Read more.
As a fundamental metric for assessing carbon sequestration, Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and the mechanisms driving its spatiotemporal dynamics constitute a critical research domain within global change science. This research centered on the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain (HHHP), combining 2001–2023 MODIS-NPP data with natural (landform, temperature, precipitation, soil) and socio-economic (population density, GDP density, land use) drivers. Trend analysis, coefficient of variation, and Hurst index were applied to clarify the spatiotemporal evolution of NPP and its future trends, while geographic detectors and structural equation models were used to quantify the contribution of drivers. Key findings: (1) Across the HHHP, the multi-year average NPP ranged between 30.05 and 1019.76 gC·m−2·a−1, with higher values found in Shandong and Henan provinces, and lower values concentrated in the northwestern dam-top plateau and central plain regions; 44.11% of the entire region showed a statistically highly significant increasing trend. (2) The overall fluctuation of NPP was low-amplitude, with a stable center of gravity and the standard deviation ellipse retaining a southwest-to-northeast direction. (3) Future changes in NPP exhibited persistence and anti-persistence, with 44.98% of the region being confronted with vegetation degradation risk. (4) NPP variations originated from the synergistic impacts of multiple elements: among individual elements, precipitation, soil type, and elevation had the highest explanatory capacity, while synergistic interactions between two elements notably enhanced the explanatory capacity. (5) Climate variation exerted the strongest influence on NPP (direct coefficient of 0.743), followed by the basic natural environment (0.734), whereas human-related activities had the weakest direct impact (−0.098). This research offers scientific backing for regional carbon sink evaluation, ecological security early warning, and sustainable development policies. Full article
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14 pages, 6195 KB  
Article
Analysis of Groundwater Chemical Characteristics and Boron Sources in the Oasis Area of the Cherchen River Basin in Xinjiang, China
by Jiangwei Dong, Fuxiang Gao, Jinlong Zhou, Jiang Li and Yinzhu Zhou
Water 2025, 17(16), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17162397 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1182
Abstract
The oasis area of the Cherchen River Basin (OACRB) is located in the southeast edge of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang, China. High boron (B) groundwater is observed in the OACRB according to 40 groundwater samples collected in May 2023. Identification of the [...] Read more.
The oasis area of the Cherchen River Basin (OACRB) is located in the southeast edge of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang, China. High boron (B) groundwater is observed in the OACRB according to 40 groundwater samples collected in May 2023. Identification of the chemical characteristics and B sources of groundwater in the OACRB is of great significance for the sustainable development and utilization of groundwater resources and the protection of animals, plants and human health. To explore the chemical characteristics and main B sources of groundwater, Piper three-line diagram, Gibbs diagram, correlation analysis, hydrogeochemical simulation and absolute principal component analysis (PCA-APCS-MLR) were used for analysis. The contribution of different factors to groundwater B was quantitatively evaluated. The results showed that the groundwater is weakly alkaline (with an average pH of 7.94) and mainly brackish water and saline water with Cl and Na+ as the main anions and cations. The groundwater is dominated by SO4 · Cl-Na type. The average concentration (ρ) of groundwater B in the study area was 1.48 mg·L−1 with the over-standard rate was 45.0%. The APCS-MLR receptor model analysis revealed that groundwater chemical components including B were mainly derived from leaching-enrichment, human activity, primary geological factors, and unknown sources. Groundwater B is obviously greater than the standard limit, which is mainly due to agricultural activities (fertilizers and pesticides) and unknown sources. Full article
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18 pages, 6088 KB  
Article
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Evolution of Underground Brine During Mining Process in Luobei Mining Area of Lop Nur, Northwestern China
by Xu Han, Yufei Deng, Hao Geng, Liangliang Zhao, Ji Zhang, Lingfen Wang, Lei Wang, Xiaohong Sun, Zihao Zhou, Meng Wang and Zhongjian Liu
Water 2025, 17(15), 2192; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152192 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1468
Abstract
Underground brine as a liquid mineral resource available for development and utilization has attracted widespread attention. However, how the mining process affects the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine has yet to be fully understood. Herein, 207 underground brine samples were collected [...] Read more.
Underground brine as a liquid mineral resource available for development and utilization has attracted widespread attention. However, how the mining process affects the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine has yet to be fully understood. Herein, 207 underground brine samples were collected from the Luobei mining area of the Lop Nur region during pre-exploitation (2006), exploitation (2019), and late exploitation (2023) to explore the dynamic change characteristics and evolution mechanisms of the underground brine hydrochemistry using the combination of statistical analysis, spatial interpolation, correlation analysis, and ion ratio analysis. The results indicated that Na+ and Cl were the dominant ionic components in the brine, and their concentrations remained relatively stable throughout the mining process. However, the content of Mg2+ increased gradually during the mining process (increased by 45.08% in the middle stage and 3.09% in the later stage). The elevation in Mg2+ concentration during the mining process could be attributed to the dissolution of Mg-bearing minerals, reverse cation exchange, and mixed recharge. This research furnishes a scientific foundation for a more in-depth comprehension of the disturbance mechanism of brine-mining activities on the groundwater chemical system in the mining area and for the sustainable exploitation of brine resources. Full article
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15 pages, 3677 KB  
Article
Spatial–Temporal Restructuring of Regional Landscape Patterns and Associated Carbon Effects: Evidence from Xiong’an New Area
by Yi-Hang Gao, Bo Han, Hong-Wei Liu, Yao-Nan Bai and Zhuang Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6224; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136224 - 7 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1452
Abstract
China’s accelerated urbanization has instigated construction land expansion and ecological land attrition, aggravating the carbon emission disequilibrium. Notably, the “land carbon emission elasticity coefficient” in urban agglomerations far exceeds international benchmarks, underscoring the contradiction between spatial expansion and low-carbon goals. Existing research predominantly [...] Read more.
China’s accelerated urbanization has instigated construction land expansion and ecological land attrition, aggravating the carbon emission disequilibrium. Notably, the “land carbon emission elasticity coefficient” in urban agglomerations far exceeds international benchmarks, underscoring the contradiction between spatial expansion and low-carbon goals. Existing research predominantly centers on single-spatial-type or static-model analyses, lacking cross-scale mechanism exploration, policy heterogeneity consideration, and differentiated carbon metabolism assessment across functional spaces. This study takes Xiong’an New Area as a case, delineating the spatiotemporal evolution of land use and carbon emissions during 2017–2023. Construction land expanded by 26.8%, propelling an 11-fold escalation in carbon emissions, while emission intensity decreased by 11.4% due to energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy adoption. Cultivated land reduction (31.8%) caused a 73.4% decline in agricultural emissions, and ecological land network restructuring (65.3% forest expansion and wetland restoration) significantly enhanced carbon sequestration. This research validates a governance paradigm prioritizing “structural optimization” over “scale expansion”—synergizing construction land intensification with ecological restoration to decelerate emission growth and strengthen carbon sink systems. Full article
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25 pages, 6047 KB  
Review
Efficient Inorganic Stabilization Materials for Chromium and Arsenic Pollution in Water and Soil
by Anqi Wang, Zhiwen Dang, Yibo Wang, Hui Fan and Shiding Miao
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(13), 7069; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15137069 - 23 Jun 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2007
Abstract
Chromium and arsenic, as prevalent heavy metal contaminants in water environments, pose significant threats to ecological systems and public health, necessitating urgent remediation measures. Conventional remediation techniques face challenges including high costs, prolonged remediation cycles, limited durability, and secondary contamination risks. While stabilization [...] Read more.
Chromium and arsenic, as prevalent heavy metal contaminants in water environments, pose significant threats to ecological systems and public health, necessitating urgent remediation measures. Conventional remediation techniques face challenges including high costs, prolonged remediation cycles, limited durability, and secondary contamination risks. While stabilization materials have emerged as promising solutions, the complex stabilization mechanisms for chromium and arsenic remain diverse and have not yet been fully elucidated. With reference to previous research, this paper systematically reviews inorganic stabilization materials for chromium and arsenic contamination remediation, with particular emphasis on elucidating their stabilization mechanisms and influencing factors. This review extensively evaluates various material types to inform practical applications, while highlighting investigations into novel composite materials, which advance technological innovation in water environmental remediation. It offers novel perspectives for addressing chromium and arsenic pollution challenges, potentially driving the development of more sustainable remediation strategies. Full article
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