Climate-Driven Spatio-Temporal Variability of Hydrological Processes in North Maharashtra: A Geospatial Approach

Understanding climate-driven variability in hydrological processes is essential for sustainable water resource management in semi-arid regions. The present study examines the spatio-temporal variability of hydrological processes in North Maharashtra, India, using an integrated geospatial approach. Digital Elevation Model (DEM)–derived hydrological parameters, including flow direction and flow accumulation, were generated to characterize watershed morphology and drainage behavior. To capture climatic influences, 20 years annual average rainfall data were analyzed to assess long-term variability and its hydrological implications. Spatial analysis reveals pronounced heterogeneity in topography-controlled runoff pathways, with higher flow accumulation zones concentrated along major river valleys and low-lying basins, while upland and plateau regions exhibit divergent drainage patterns. Temporal assessment of rainfall indicates significant inter-decadal variability, reflecting changing monsoon dynamics across the region. The integration of rainfall trends with DEM-based hydrological modeling highlights climate-induced shifts in runoff potential, drainage density, and watershed response characteristics. The results demonstrate that climate variability, coupled with terrain attributes, plays a critical role in shaping hydrological processes in North Maharashtra. Areas experiencing increasing rainfall variability show heightened susceptibility to surface runoff concentration and hydrological extremes, whereas regions with declining or erratic rainfall display reduced flow continuity. This study underscores the effectiveness of geospatial techniques in capturing climate–hydrology interactions and provides valuable insights for watershed planning, flood risk assessment, and climate-resilient water management strategies in semi-arid regions.