Analysis of the scientific connotation of water networks and exploration of their formation and evolution mechanisms

The construction of water networks serves as a vital means to address the uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water resources and enhance water security. Currently， the research on natural and artificial water networks is relatively fragmented. The fundamental principles underlying the formation and evolution of water networks are unclear and lack uniformity， contraining water network planning and effectiveness after construction. This study systematically analyzed the scientific connotation of water networks， and proposed the target criteria for water network construction based on the three-level healthy water balance theory， as well as the methods to determine the “balance point” and “balance degree”. Based on this， the dominant pathways for the formation and evolution of water networks across various temporal scales， from years to millions of years， were systematically revealed. Finally， from the perspective of mechanisms driving water flow， the theory of “potential” and “resistance” was introduced， and the corresponding meanings and compositions of potential and resistance in natural and artificial water networks were elaborated. Furthermore， the mechanism characterized by “potential difference driven and resistance constrained” was proposed and the shared nature and interactive effect of the potential-resistance relationship in both natural and artificial water networks were clarified. By integrating natural and artificial water networks within a unified mechanistic framework， this study aims to provide foundational support for the rational planning and layout of water networks.