Research on Restoration Schemes for Reservoir Water Level Fluctuation Zone Ecosystems in the High Frigid Zone

Longyangxia Reservoir (LYXR), located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, is characterized by its high altitude, cold climate, and alpine, arid conditions with a short growing season. Restoring vegetation in the water level fluctuation zone (WLFZ) to intercept and impede gully runoff, alongside enhancing the reservoir’s purification capacity, constitutes a fundamental approach to establishing an ecological barrier along the reservoir shoreline. This paper explores suitable ecological restoration models for reservoir WLFZs, based on an analysis of habitat characteristics and ecological remediation techniques within the LYXR WLFZ. The WLFZ of the LYXR is categorized into three distinct types: easily restorable zones (including sediment-accumulated and wind-sand-accumulated gentle slopes), difficult-to-restore zones (comprising gravel-accumulated slopes and steep slopes), and tributary water level fluctuation zones. Key technical measures proposed include both vegetative and engineering interventions. The findings provide a scientific basis for the ecological conservation and restoration of reservoir WLFZs in high-altitude cold regions, and offer valuable insights for ecological construction along the shorelines of other reservoirs across China.