Analysis of the Impact of Urbanization on Groundwater in the Arid and Semi-Arid Yellow River Basin

The Yellow River Basin (YRB) serves as a vital ecological barrier and a primary grain-producing region in China. Characterized predominantly by an arid and semi-arid climate, the basin’s water resources are highly sensitive to human activities. In recent years, rapid urbanization has significantly altered the regional water resource distribution, making it essential to clarify the resulting changes in the hydrological cycle for informed policy-making. This study analyzes the spatial-temporal characteristics of groundwater changes throughout the urbanization process across the basin. The results show that urbanization levels in the YRB exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity, with a marked intensification of urban expansion and population growth in the lower reaches. While groundwater levels across the entire basin show a declining trend, with the most severe depletion occurring downstream, a comparative analysis of different urban transition types reveals nuanced impacts. Specifically, the decline in groundwater is least pronounced in areas of urban contraction, while newly urbanized areas show a smaller reduction in groundwater compared to long-standing, stable urban zones. These findings suggest that while urbanization inherently exerts pressure on groundwater in this water-scarce region, the relatively moderated decline in newly developed areas reflects the effectiveness of recent groundwater protection policies integrated into the urbanization process.