Articles | Volume 27, issue 22
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4217-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4217-2023
© Author(s) 2023. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Opinion article
| 
28 Nov 2023
Opinion article |
| 28 Nov 2023
| 28 Nov 2023
HESS Opinions: Drought impacts as failed prospects
Germano G. Ribeiro Neto
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
Sarra Kchouk
Water Resources Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
Lieke A. Melsen
Hydrology and Environmental Hydraulics, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
Louise Cavalcante
Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
David W. Walker
Water Resources Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
Art Dewulf
Public Administration and Policy Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
Alexandre C. Costa
Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of International Integration of the Afro-Brazilian Lusophony, Redenção, Brazil
Eduardo S. P. R. Martins
Research Institute of Meteorology and Water Resources (FUNCEME), Fortaleza, Brazil
Department of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, Brazil
Pieter R. van Oel
Water Resources Management Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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Louise Cavalcante, David W. Walker, Sarra Kchouk, Germano Ribeiro Neto, Taís Maria Nunes Carvalho, Mariana Madruga de Brito, Wieke Pot, Art Dewulf, and Pieter R. van Oel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1993–2005, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1993-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1993-2025, 2025
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Drought affects not only water availability but also agriculture, the economy, and communities. This study explores how public policies help reduce these impacts in Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Using qualitative drought monitoring data, interviews, and policy analysis, we found that policies supporting local economies help lessen drought effects. However, most reported impacts are still related to water shortages, showing the need for broader strategies beyond water supply investment.
Sarra Kchouk, Louise Cavalcante, Lieke A. Melsen, David W. Walker, Germano Ribeiro Neto, Rubens Gondim, Wouter J. Smolenaars, and Pieter R. van Oel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 893–912, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-893-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-893-2025, 2025
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Droughts impact water and people, yet monitoring often overlooks impacts on people. In northeastern Brazil, we compare official data to local experiences, finding data mismatches and blind spots. Mismatches occur due to the data's broad scope missing finer details. Blind spots arise from ignoring diverse community responses and vulnerabilities to droughts. We suggest enhanced monitoring by technical extension officers for both severe and mild droughts.
Anne F. Van Loon, Sarra Kchouk, Alessia Matanó, Faranak Tootoonchi, Camila Alvarez-Garreton, Khalid E. A. Hassaballah, Minchao Wu, Marthe L. K. Wens, Anastasiya Shyrokaya, Elena Ridolfi, Riccardo Biella, Viorica Nagavciuc, Marlies H. Barendrecht, Ana Bastos, Louise Cavalcante, Franciska T. de Vries, Margaret Garcia, Johanna Mård, Ileen N. Streefkerk, Claudia Teutschbein, Roshanak Tootoonchi, Ruben Weesie, Valentin Aich, Juan P. Boisier, Giuliano Di Baldassarre, Yiheng Du, Mauricio Galleguillos, René Garreaud, Monica Ionita, Sina Khatami, Johanna K. L. Koehler, Charles H. Luce, Shreedhar Maskey, Heidi D. Mendoza, Moses N. Mwangi, Ilias G. Pechlivanidis, Germano G. Ribeiro Neto, Tirthankar Roy, Robert Stefanski, Patricia Trambauer, Elizabeth A. Koebele, Giulia Vico, and Micha Werner
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3173–3205, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3173-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-24-3173-2024, 2024
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Drought is a creeping phenomenon but is often still analysed and managed like an isolated event, without taking into account what happened before and after. Here, we review the literature and analyse five cases to discuss how droughts and their impacts develop over time. We find that the responses of hydrological, ecological, and social systems can be classified into four types and that the systems interact. We provide suggestions for further research and monitoring, modelling, and management.
Louise Cavalcante, David W. Walker, Sarra Kchouk, Germano Ribeiro Neto, Taís Maria Nunes Carvalho, Mariana Madruga de Brito, Wieke Pot, Art Dewulf, and Pieter R. van Oel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1993–2005, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1993-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-1993-2025, 2025
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Drought affects not only water availability but also agriculture, the economy, and communities. This study explores how public policies help reduce these impacts in Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Using qualitative drought monitoring data, interviews, and policy analysis, we found that policies supporting local economies help lessen drought effects. However, most reported impacts are still related to water shortages, showing the need for broader strategies beyond water supply investment.
Sarra Kchouk, Louise Cavalcante, Lieke A. Melsen, David W. Walker, Germano Ribeiro Neto, Rubens Gondim, Wouter J. Smolenaars, and Pieter R. van Oel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 893–912, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-893-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-25-893-2025, 2025
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Droughts impact water and people, yet monitoring often overlooks impacts on people. In northeastern Brazil, we compare official data to local experiences, finding data mismatches and blind spots. Mismatches occur due to the data's broad scope missing finer details. Blind spots arise from ignoring diverse community responses and vulnerabilities to droughts. We suggest enhanced monitoring by technical extension officers for both severe and mild droughts.
Janneke O. E. Remmers, Rozemarijn ter Horst, Ehsan Nabavi, Ulrike Proske, Adriaan J. Teuling, Jeroen Vos, and Lieke A. Melsen
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-673, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-673, 2025
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In hydrological modelling, a notion exists that a model is a neutral tool. However, this notion has several, possibly harmful, consequences. In critical social sciences, this non-neutrality in methods and results is an established topic of debate. We propose that in order to deal with it in hydrological modelling, the hydrological modelling network can learn from, and with, critical social sciences. The main lesson, from our perspective, is that responsible modelling is a shared responsibility.
Anne F. Van Loon, Sarra Kchouk, Alessia Matanó, Faranak Tootoonchi, Camila Alvarez-Garreton, Khalid E. A. Hassaballah, Minchao Wu, Marthe L. K. Wens, Anastasiya Shyrokaya, Elena Ridolfi, Riccardo Biella, Viorica Nagavciuc, Marlies H. Barendrecht, Ana Bastos, Louise Cavalcante, Franciska T. de Vries, Margaret Garcia, Johanna Mård, Ileen N. Streefkerk, Claudia Teutschbein, Roshanak Tootoonchi, Ruben Weesie, Valentin Aich, Juan P. Boisier, Giuliano Di Baldassarre, Yiheng Du, Mauricio Galleguillos, René Garreaud, Monica Ionita, Sina Khatami, Johanna K. L. Koehler, Charles H. Luce, Shreedhar Maskey, Heidi D. Mendoza, Moses N. Mwangi, Ilias G. Pechlivanidis, Germano G. Ribeiro Neto, Tirthankar Roy, Robert Stefanski, Patricia Trambauer, Elizabeth A. Koebele, Giulia Vico, and Micha Werner
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Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 4157–4186, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4157-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-4157-2024, 2024
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The exact power of models often remains hidden, especially when neutrality is claimed. Our review of 61 scientific articles shows that in the scientific literature little attention is given to the power of water models to influence development processes and outcomes. However, there is a lot to learn from those who are openly reflexive. Based on lessons from the review, we call for power-sensitive modelling, which means that people are critical about how models are made and with what effects.
Charles Nduhiu Wamucii, Pieter R. van Oel, Adriaan J. Teuling, Arend Ligtenberg, John Mwangi Gathenya, Gert Jan Hofstede, Meine van Noordwijk, and Erika N. Speelman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 3495–3518, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3495-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3495-2024, 2024
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Marjorie B. Kreis, Jean-Denis Taupin, Nicolas Patris, and Eduardo S. P. R. Martins
Proc. IAHS, 385, 17–23, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-385-17-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/piahs-385-17-2024, 2024
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Awad M. Ali, Lieke A. Melsen, and Adriaan J. Teuling
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 4057–4086, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4057-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-4057-2023, 2023
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Using a new approach based on a combination of modeling and Earth observation, useful information about the filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam can be obtained with limited data and proper rainfall selection. While the monthly streamflow into Sudan has decreased significantly (1.2 × 109–5 × 109 m3) with respect to the non-dam scenario, the negative impact has been masked due to higher-than-average rainfall. We reveal that the dam will need 3–5 more years to complete filling.
Veit Blauhut, Michael Stoelzle, Lauri Ahopelto, Manuela I. Brunner, Claudia Teutschbein, Doris E. Wendt, Vytautas Akstinas, Sigrid J. Bakke, Lucy J. Barker, Lenka Bartošová, Agrita Briede, Carmelo Cammalleri, Ksenija Cindrić Kalin, Lucia De Stefano, Miriam Fendeková, David C. Finger, Marijke Huysmans, Mirjana Ivanov, Jaak Jaagus, Jiří Jakubínský, Svitlana Krakovska, Gregor Laaha, Monika Lakatos, Kiril Manevski, Mathias Neumann Andersen, Nina Nikolova, Marzena Osuch, Pieter van Oel, Kalina Radeva, Renata J. Romanowicz, Elena Toth, Mirek Trnka, Marko Urošev, Julia Urquijo Reguera, Eric Sauquet, Aleksandra Stevkov, Lena M. Tallaksen, Iryna Trofimova, Anne F. Van Loon, Michelle T. H. van Vliet, Jean-Philippe Vidal, Niko Wanders, Micha Werner, Patrick Willems, and Nenad Živković
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Recent drought events caused enormous damage in Europe. We therefore questioned the existence and effect of current drought management strategies on the actual impacts and how drought is perceived by relevant stakeholders. Over 700 participants from 28 European countries provided insights into drought hazard and impact perception and current management strategies. The study concludes with an urgent need to collectively combat drought risk via a European macro-level drought governance approach.
Sarra Kchouk, Lieke A. Melsen, David W. Walker, and Pieter R. van Oel
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 323–344, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-323-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-22-323-2022, 2022
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The aim of our study was to question the validity of the assumed direct linkage between drivers of drought and its impacts on water and food securities, mainly found in the frameworks of drought early warning systems (DEWSs). We analysed more than 5000 scientific studies leading us to the conclusion that the local context can contribute to drought drivers resulting in these drought impacts. Our research aims to increase the relevance and utility of the information provided by DEWSs.
Charles Nduhiu Wamucii, Pieter R. van Oel, Arend Ligtenberg, John Mwangi Gathenya, and Adriaan J. Teuling
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5641–5665, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5641-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5641-2021, 2021
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East African water towers (WTs) are under pressure from human influences within and without, but the water yield (WY) is more sensitive to climate changes from within. Land use changes have greater impacts on WY in the surrounding lowlands. The WTs have seen a strong shift towards wetter conditions while, at the same time, the potential evapotranspiration is gradually increasing. The WTs were identified as non-resilient, and future WY may experience more extreme variations.
Peter T. La Follette, Adriaan J. Teuling, Nans Addor, Martyn Clark, Koen Jansen, and Lieke A. Melsen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5425–5446, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5425-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5425-2021, 2021
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Hydrological models are useful tools that allow us to predict distributions and movement of water. A variety of numerical methods are used by these models. We demonstrate which numerical methods yield large errors when subject to extreme precipitation. As the climate is changing such that extreme precipitation is more common, we find that some numerical methods are better suited for use in hydrological models. Also, we find that many current hydrological models use relatively inaccurate methods.
Joost Buitink, Lieke A. Melsen, and Adriaan J. Teuling
Earth Syst. Dynam., 12, 387–400, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-12-387-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-12-387-2021, 2021
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Higher temperatures influence both evaporation and snow processes. These two processes have a large effect on discharge but have distinct roles during different seasons. In this study, we study how higher temperatures affect the discharge via changed evaporation and snow dynamics. Higher temperatures lead to enhanced evaporation but increased melt from glaciers, overall lowering the discharge. During the snowmelt season, discharge was reduced further due to the earlier depletion of snow.
Lieke Anna Melsen and Björn Guse
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1307–1332, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1307-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1307-2021, 2021
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Certain hydrological processes become more or less relevant when the climate changes. This should also be visible in the models that are used for long-term predictions of river flow as a consequence of climate change. We investigated this using three different models. The change in relevance should be reflected in how the parameters of the models are determined. In the different models, different processes become more relevant in the future: they disagree with each other.
Gijs van Kempen, Karin van der Wiel, and Lieke Anna Melsen
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 961–976, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-961-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-21-961-2021, 2021
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In this study, we combine climate model results with a hydrological model to investigate uncertainties in flood and drought risk. With the climate model, 2000 years of
current climatewas created. The hydrological model consisted of several building blocks that we could adapt. In this way, we could investigate the effect of these hydrological building blocks on high- and low-flow risk in four different climate zones with return periods of up to 500 years.
Laurène J. E. Bouaziz, Fabrizio Fenicia, Guillaume Thirel, Tanja de Boer-Euser, Joost Buitink, Claudia C. Brauer, Jan De Niel, Benjamin J. Dewals, Gilles Drogue, Benjamin Grelier, Lieke A. Melsen, Sotirios Moustakas, Jiri Nossent, Fernando Pereira, Eric Sprokkereef, Jasper Stam, Albrecht H. Weerts, Patrick Willems, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1069–1095, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1069-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1069-2021, 2021
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We quantify the differences in internal states and fluxes of 12 process-based models with similar streamflow performance and assess their plausibility using remotely sensed estimates of evaporation, snow cover, soil moisture and total storage anomalies. The dissimilarities in internal process representation imply that these models cannot all simultaneously be close to reality. Therefore, we invite modelers to evaluate their models using multiple variables and to rely on multi-model studies.
Manuela I. Brunner, Lieke A. Melsen, Andrew W. Wood, Oldrich Rakovec, Naoki Mizukami, Wouter J. M. Knoben, and Martyn P. Clark
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 105–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-105-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-105-2021, 2021
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Assessments of current, local, and regional flood hazards and their future changes often involve the use of hydrologic models. A reliable model ideally reproduces both local flood characteristics and regional aspects of flooding. In this paper we investigate how such characteristics are represented by hydrologic models. Our results show that both the modeling of local and regional flood characteristics are challenging, especially under changing climate conditions.
Joost Buitink, Lieke A. Melsen, James W. Kirchner, and Adriaan J. Teuling
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 6093–6110, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-6093-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-6093-2020, 2020
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This paper presents a new distributed hydrological model: the distributed simple dynamical systems (dS2) model. The model is built with a focus on computational efficiency and is therefore able to simulate basins at high spatial and temporal resolution at a low computational cost. Despite the simplicity of the model concept, it is able to correctly simulate discharge in both small and mesoscale basins.
Caspar T. J. Roebroek, Lieke A. Melsen, Anne J. Hoek van Dijke, Ying Fan, and Adriaan J. Teuling
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4625–4639, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4625-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4625-2020, 2020
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Vegetation is a principal component in the Earth system models that are used for weather, climate and other environmental predictions. Water is one of the main drivers of vegetation; however, the global distribution of how water influences vegetation is not well understood. This study looks at spatial patterns of photosynthesis and water sources (rain and groundwater) to obtain a first understanding of water access and limitations for the growth of global forests (proxy for natural vegetation).
Manuela I. Brunner, Lieke A. Melsen, Andrew J. Newman, Andrew W. Wood, and Martyn P. Clark
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3951–3966, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3951-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3951-2020, 2020
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Streamflow seasonality is changing and expected to further change under the influence of climate change. We here assess how annual streamflow hydrographs will change in future by using a newly developed classification scheme. Our comparison of future with current annual hydrograph classes shows that robust changes are expected only for currently melt-influenced regions in the Rocky Mountains. These upstream changes may require the adaptation of management strategies in downstream regions.
Tobias Pilz, José Miguel Delgado, Sebastian Voss, Klaus Vormoor, Till Francke, Alexandre Cunha Costa, Eduardo Martins, and Axel Bronstert
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1951–1971, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1951-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1951-2019, 2019
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This work investigates different model types for drought prediction in a dryland region. Consequently, the performances of seasonal reservoir volume forecasts derived by a process-based and a statistical hydrological model were evaluated. The process-based approach obtained lower accuracy while resolution and reliability of drought prediction were comparable. Initialisation of the process-based model is worthwhile for more in-depth analyses, provided adequate rainfall forecasts are available.
José Miguel Delgado, Sebastian Voss, Gerd Bürger, Klaus Vormoor, Aline Murawski, José Marcelo Rodrigues Pereira, Eduardo Martins, Francisco Vasconcelos Júnior, and Till Francke
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 5041–5056, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5041-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5041-2018, 2018
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The feasibility of drought prediction is assessed in the Brazilian northeast. The models were provided by a regional agency and a European meteorological agency and downscaling was done using three empirical models. This work showed that the combination of different forecast and downscaling models can provide skillful predictions of drought events on timescales relevant to water managers. But the models also showed little to no skill for quantitative predictions of monthly precipitation.
Lieke A. Melsen, Nans Addor, Naoki Mizukami, Andrew J. Newman, Paul J. J. F. Torfs, Martyn P. Clark, Remko Uijlenhoet, and Adriaan J. Teuling
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 1775–1791, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1775-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-1775-2018, 2018
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Long-term hydrological predictions are important for water management planning, but are also prone to uncertainty. This study investigates three sources of uncertainty for long-term hydrological predictions in the US: climate models, hydrological models, and hydrological model parameters. Mapping the results revealed spatial patterns in the three sources of uncertainty: different sources of uncertainty dominate in different regions.
Feng Mao, Julian Clark, Timothy Karpouzoglou, Art Dewulf, Wouter Buytaert, and David Hannah
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3655–3670, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3655-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3655-2017, 2017
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The paper aims to propose a conceptual framework that supports nuanced understanding and analytical assessment of resilience in socio-hydrological contexts. We identify three framings of resilience for different human–water couplings, which have distinct application fields and are used for different water management challenges. To assess and improve socio-hydrological resilience in each type, we introduce a
resilience canvasas a heuristic tool to design bespoke management strategies.
Lieke Melsen, Adriaan Teuling, Paul Torfs, Massimiliano Zappa, Naoki Mizukami, Martyn Clark, and Remko Uijlenhoet
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 2207–2226, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2207-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2207-2016, 2016
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In this study we investigated the sensitivity of a large-domain hydrological model for spatial and temporal resolution. We evaluated the results on a mesoscale catchment in Switzerland. Our results show that the model was hardly sensitive for the spatial resolution, which implies that spatial variability is likely underestimated. Our results provide a motivation to improve the representation of spatial variability in hydrological models in order to increase their credibility on a smaller scale.
Cleiton da Silva Silveira, Francisco de Assis de Souza Filho, Francisco das Chagas Vasconcelos Junior, and E. Sávio Passos Rodrigues Martins
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-135, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2016-135, 2016
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Kerstin Stahl, Irene Kohn, Veit Blauhut, Julia Urquijo, Lucia De Stefano, Vanda Acácio, Susana Dias, James H. Stagge, Lena M. Tallaksen, Eleni Kampragou, Anne F. Van Loon, Lucy J. Barker, Lieke A. Melsen, Carlo Bifulco, Dario Musolino, Alessandro de Carli, Antonio Massarutto, Dionysis Assimacopoulos, and Henny A. J. Van Lanen
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 16, 801–819, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-801-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-801-2016, 2016
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Based on the European Drought Impact report Inventory (EDII), the study presents an assessment of the occurrence and diversity of drought impacts across Europe. A unique research database has collected close to 5000 textual drought impact reports from 33 European countries. Consistently, reported impacts have been dominated in number by agriculture and water supply, but were very diverse across other sectors. Data and assessment may help drought policy planning at the international level.
Lieke A. Melsen, Adriaan J. Teuling, Paul J. J. F. Torfs, Remko Uijlenhoet, Naoki Mizukami, and Martyn P. Clark
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1069–1079, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1069-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1069-2016, 2016
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A meta-analysis on 192 peer-reviewed articles reporting applications of a land surface model in a distributed way reveals that the spatial resolution at which the model is applied has increased over the years, while the calibration and validation time interval has remained unchanged. We argue that the calibration and validation time interval should keep pace with the increase in spatial resolution in order to resolve the processes that are relevant at the applied spatial resolution.
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A socio-hydrological framework for understanding conflict and cooperation with respect to transboundary rivers
A review of the applicability of the motivations and abilities (MOTA) framework for assessing the implementation success of water resources management plans and policies
Social dilemmas and poor water quality in household water systems
The limits to large-scale supply augmentation: exploring the crossroads of conflicting urban water system development pathways
Structural gaps of water resources knowledge in global river basins
Water sharing policies conditioned on hydrologic variability to inform reservoir operations
Characteristics of droughts in Argentina's core crop region
Quantifying the impacts of compound extremes on agriculture
Comparison of published palaeoclimate records suitable for reconstructing annual to sub-decadal hydroclimatic variability in eastern Australia: implications for water resource management and planning
Unraveling intractable water conflicts: the entanglement of science and politics in decision-making on large hydraulic infrastructure
A Water-Energy-Food Nexus approach for conducting trade-off analysis: Morocco's phosphate industry in the Khouribga region
A watershed classification approach that looks beyond hydrology: application to a semi-arid, agricultural region in Canada
Role-play simulations as an aid to achieve complex learning outcomes in hydrological science
Using a coupled agent-based modeling approach to analyze the role of risk perception in water management decisions
Geostatistical interpolation by quantile kriging
Flooded by jargon: how the interpretation of water-related terms differs between hydrology experts and the general audience
Challenges to implementing bottom-up flood risk decision analysis frameworks: how strong are social networks of flooding professionals?
Socio-hydrological spaces in the Jamuna River floodplain in Bangladesh
An improved method for calculating the regional crop water footprint based on a hydrological process analysis
How downstream sub-basins depend on upstream inflows to avoid scarcity: typology and global analysis of transboundary rivers
An alternative approach for socio-hydrology: case study research
HESS Opinions: A conceptual framework for assessing socio-hydrological resilience under change
Socio-hydrological perspectives of the co-evolution of humans and groundwater in Cangzhou, North China Plain
Towards systematic planning of small-scale hydrological intervention-based research
Geoscience on television: a review of science communication literature in the context of geosciences
A "mental models" approach to the communication of subsurface hydrology and hazards
Review and classification of indicators of green water availability and scarcity
Socio-hydrological water balance for water allocation between human and environmental purposes in catchments
Long-term monitoring of nitrate transport to drainage from three agricultural clayey till fields
Complex network theory, streamflow, and hydrometric monitoring system design
Hydrological drought types in cold climates: quantitative analysis of causing factors and qualitative survey of impacts
Linked hydrologic and social systems that support resilience of traditional irrigation communities
Assessing blue and green water utilisation in wheat production of China from the perspectives of water footprint and total water use
A new framework for resolving conflicts over transboundary rivers using bankruptcy methods
Quantifying the human impact on water resources: a critical review of the water footprint concept
Endogenous change: on cooperation and water availability in two ancient societies
Tobias F. Selkirk, Andrew W. Western, and J. Angus Webb
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 2167–2184, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2167-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-2167-2025, 2025
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This study investigated rainfall in eastern Australia to search for patterns that may aid in predicting flood and drought. The current popular consensus is that such cycles do not exist. We analysed 130 years of rainfall using a very modern technique for identifying cycles in complex signals. The results showed strong evidence of three clear cycles of 12.9, 20.4 and 29.1 years with a confidence of 99.99 %. When combined, they showed an 80 % alignment with years of extremely high and low rainfall.
Xinting Yu, Yue-Ping Xu, Yuxue Guo, Siwei Chen, and Haiting Gu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 29, 179–214, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-179-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-29-179-2025, 2025
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This study introduces a new method to simplify complex vine copula structures by reducing dimensionality while retaining essential data. Applied to Shifeng Creek, the vine copula built with this method captured critical spatial–temporal relationships, indicating high synchronization probabilities and flood risks. Notably, it was found that increasing structure complexity does not always improve accuracy. This method offers an efficient tool for analyzing and simulating multi-site flows.
Christine L. Dolph, Jacques C. Finlay, Brent Dalzell, and Gary W. Feyereisen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 5249–5294, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-5249-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-5249-2024, 2024
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“Legacy phosphorus” is the accumulation of phosphorus (P) in soils and sediments due to past inputs from fertilizer, manure, urban runoff, and wastewater. The release of this P from where it is stored in the landscape can cause poor water quality. Here, we examined whether legacy P is being released from stream and river channels in summer across a large number of watersheds, and we examined what factors (such as climate, land use, and soil types) might be driving that release.
Jamie Hannaford, Stephen Turner, Amulya Chevuturi, Wilson Chan, Lucy J. Barker, Maliko Tanguy, Simon Parry, and Stuart Allen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-293, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-293, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for HESS
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This extended review asks whether hydrological (river flow) droughts have become more severe over time in the UK, based on literature review and original analyses. The UK is a good international exemplar, given the richness of available data. We find that there is little compelling evidence towards a trend towards worsening river flow droughts, at odds with future climate change projections. We outline reasons for this discrepancy and make recommendations to guide researchers and policymakers.
Elin Stenfors, Malgorzata Blicharska, Thomas Grabs, and Claudia Teutschbein
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1988, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1988, 2024
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Through a survey, involving six-water dependent sectors, the relevance and impact of drought vulnerability factors for sectors and societies in forested cold climates was studied. The results show that the relevance and impact of vulnerability factors differ across sectors and how governance processes and policies are important for drought risk. The results offer unique insights into the dynamics of drought vulnerability, valuable for risk assessments, drought plans and increasing resilience.
Charles Nduhiu Wamucii, Pieter R. van Oel, Adriaan J. Teuling, Arend Ligtenberg, John Mwangi Gathenya, Gert Jan Hofstede, Meine van Noordwijk, and Erika N. Speelman
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 3495–3518, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3495-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-3495-2024, 2024
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The study explored the role of serious gaming in strengthening stakeholder engagement in addressing human–water challenges. The gaming approach guided community discussions toward implementable decisions. The results showed increased active participation, knowledge gain, and use of plural pronouns. We observed decreased individual interests and conflicts among game participants. The study presents important implications for creating a collective basis for water resources management.
Shinichiro Nakamura, Fuko Nakai, Yuichiro Ito, Ginga Okada, and Taikan Oki
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 2329–2342, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2329-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2329-2024, 2024
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The formation of levee systems is an important factor in determining whether a society fights or adapts to floods. This study presents the levee system transformation process over the past century, from the indigenous levee system to modern continuous levees, and its impacts on human–flood coevolution in the Kiso River basin, Japan, and reveals the interactions between levee systems and human–water systems involving different scales and water phenomena.
Yueyi Liu, Hang Zheng, and Jianshi Zhao
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 2223–2238, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2223-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-2223-2024, 2024
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Global climate change is causing some previously arid regions to become more humid. Economic downturns in these areas are leading to a decrease in water demand. These factors are further leading to a certain level of under-utilization of existing water supply projects in the area. This study finds that actively releasing ecological water increases the sustainability of these water supply projects. The cost of ecological water supply can be recovered by investment in water-related businesses.
Camila Alvarez-Garreton, Juan Pablo Boisier, René Garreaud, Javier González, Roberto Rondanelli, Eugenia Gayó, and Mauricio Zambrano-Bigiarini
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 1605–1616, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1605-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1605-2024, 2024
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This opinion paper reflects on the risks of overusing groundwater savings to supply permanent water use requirements. Using novel data recently developed for Chile, we reveal how groundwater is being overused, causing ecological and socioeconomic impacts and concealing a Day Zero
scenario. Our argument underscores the need for reformed water allocation rules and sustainable management, shifting from a perception of groundwater as an unlimited source to a finite and vital one.
Benjamin L. Ruddell and Richard Rushforth
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 28, 1089–1106, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1089-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-28-1089-2024, 2024
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This study finds that bedroom cities show higher water productivity based on the standard efficiency benchmark of gallons per capita, but core cities that host large businesses show higher water productivity using a basket of economic values like taxes, payroll, and business revenues. Using a broader basket of water productivity benchmarks that consider more of the community’s socio-economic values and goals could inform more balanced and equitable water allocation decisions by policymakers.
Yonca Cavus, Kerstin Stahl, and Hafzullah Aksoy
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3427–3445, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3427-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3427-2023, 2023
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With intensified extremes under climate change, water demand increases. Every drop of water is more valuable than before when drought is experienced particularly. We developed drought intensity–duration–frequency curves using physical indicators, the deficit in precipitation and streamflow, for a more straightforward interpretation. Tests with the observed major droughts in two climatologically different catchments confirmed the practical applicability of the curves under drought conditions.
Valérie Jean, Marie-Amélie Boucher, Anissa Frini, and Dominic Roussel
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3351–3373, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3351-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3351-2023, 2023
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Flood forecasts are only useful if they are understood correctly. They are also uncertain, and it is difficult to present all of the information about the forecast and its uncertainty on a map, as it is three dimensional (water depth and extent, in all directions). To overcome this, we interviewed 139 people to understand their preferences in terms of forecast visualization. We propose simple and effective ways of presenting flood forecast maps so that they can be understood and useful.
Franciele Maria Vanelli, Masato Kobiyama, and Mariana Madruga de Brito
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 2301–2317, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2301-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2301-2022, 2022
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We conducted a systematic literature review of socio-hydrological studies applied to natural hazards and disaster research. Results indicate that there is a wide range of understanding of what
socialmeans in socio-hydrology, and monodisciplinary studies prevail. We expect to encourage socio-hydrologists to investigate different disasters using a more integrative approach that combines natural and social sciences tools by involving stakeholders and broadening the use of mixed methods.
Leon M. Hermans, Vishal Narain, Remi Kempers, Sharlene L. Gomes, Poulomi Banerjee, Rezaul Hasan, Mashfiqus Salehin, Shah Alam Khan, A. T. M. Zakir Hossain, Kazi Faisal Islam, Sheikh Nazmul Huda, Partha Sarathi Banerjee, Binoy Majumder, Soma Majumder, and Wil A. H. Thissen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 2201–2219, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2201-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2201-2022, 2022
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Transdisciplinary water research involves the co-creation of knowledge between various stakeholders to advance science and resolve complex societal problems. In this paper, we describe challenges and responses to address power and politics as part of transdisciplinary research. This is done based on a project that combined known principles for transdisciplinary research with a negotiated approach to support groundwater management in peri-urban villages in India and Bangladesh.
Yongping Wei, Jing Wei, Gen Li, Shuanglei Wu, David Yu, Mohammad Ghoreishi, You Lu, Felipe Augusto Arguello Souza, Murugesu Sivapalan, and Fuqiang Tian
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 2131–2146, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2131-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-2131-2022, 2022
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There is increasing tension among the riparian countries of transboundary rivers. This article proposes a socio-hydrological framework that incorporates the slow and less visible societal processes into existing hydro-economic models, revealing the slow and hidden feedbacks between societal and hydrological processes. This framework will contribute to process-based understanding of the complex mechanism that drives conflict and cooperation in transboundary river management.
John Conallin, Nathan Ning, Jennifer Bond, Nicholas Pawsey, Lee J. Baumgartner, Dwi Atminarso, Hannah McPherson, Wayne Robinson, and Garry Thorncraft
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 1357–1370, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-1357-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-1357-2022, 2022
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Implementation failure is well known to be a major barrier to the success of water resource plans and policies. The motivations and abilities (MOTA) approach attempts to address this barrier, by providing a multi-stakeholder, multilevel tool to assess triggers, motivations and abilities supporting the implementation feasibility of plans. We review existing MOTA applications in various water management contexts and propose several complementary add-in applications to complement the approach.
Gopal Penny, Diogo Bolster, and Marc F. Müller
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 1187–1202, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-1187-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-1187-2022, 2022
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In residential areas with a high housing density, septic contamination of private wells raises multiple health concerns. Often, few regulations exist to ensure good water quality in such systems, and water quality is often left to the homeowner. To address the potential obstacles to effective management, we identify situations where misplaced economic incentives hinder effective policy to support water quality in such systems.
Jonatan Godinez Madrigal, Nora Van Cauwenbergh, Jaime Hoogesteger, Pamela Claure Gutierrez, and Pieter van der
Zaag
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 885–902, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-885-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-885-2022, 2022
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Urban water systems are facing an increasing pressure on their water resources to guarantee safe and sufficient water access. Water managers often use tried and tested strategies like large supply augmentation infrastructure to address water problems. However, these projects do not address key problems and cause water conflicts. We conducted transdisciplinary research to show how water conflicts can change the development pathway of urban water systems by implementing alternative solutions.
Shuanglei Wu, Yongping Wei, and Xuemei Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5381–5398, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5381-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5381-2021, 2021
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Using publications indexed in the Web of Science, we investigated water resources knowledge development at the river basin scale since 1900 and found that legacy-driven knowledge structures, increasingly homogenized management issues, and largely static cross-disciplinary collaborations dominated highly researched river basins. A structural shift of water resources knowledge development to cope with the rapidly changing hydrological systems and associated management issues is urgently needed.
Guang Yang and Paul Block
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3617–3634, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3617-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3617-2021, 2021
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There is a clear trade-off between reservoir hydropower generation and the variability in reservoir water release, which can be used to derive water-sharing policies and provide critical insights during riparian negotiations regarding downstream flows supplementing during drought conditions. This type of water-sharing policy can effectively mitigate the water use conflicts between upstream and downstream countries, especially during drought periods.
Leandro Carlos Sgroi, Miguel Angel Lovino, Ernesto Hugo Berbery, and Gabriela Viviana Müller
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2475–2490, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2475-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2475-2021, 2021
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This study advances the understanding and impacts of drought on wheat, corn, and soybean yields over Argentina's main crop region, where crop production is more intense and represents the main contribution to the country's gross domestic product. Our analysis focuses on drought properties, including the magnitude, frequency at different timescales, duration, and severity. This new approach can be helpful for regional decision-making and planning by water managers and in agricultural contexts.
Iman Haqiqi, Danielle S. Grogan, Thomas W. Hertel, and Wolfram Schlenker
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 551–564, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-551-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-551-2021, 2021
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This study combines a fine-scale weather product with outputs of a hydrological model to construct functional metrics of individual and compound hydroclimatic extremes for agriculture. Then, a yield response function is estimated with individual and compound metrics focusing on corn in the United States during the 1981–2015 period. The findings suggest that metrics of compound hydroclimatic extremes are better predictors of corn yield variations than metrics of individual extremes.
Anna L. Flack, Anthony S. Kiem, Tessa R. Vance, Carly R. Tozer, and Jason L. Roberts
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5699–5712, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5699-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5699-2020, 2020
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Palaeoclimate information was analysed for eastern Australia to determine when (and where) there was agreement about the timing of wet and dry epochs in the pre-instrumental period (1000–1899). The results show that instrumental records (~1900–present) underestimate the full range of rainfall variability that has occurred. When coupled with projected impacts of climate change and growing demands, these results highlight major challenges for water resource management and infrastructure.
Jonatan Godinez-Madrigal, Nora Van Cauwenbergh, and Pieter van der Zaag
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4903–4921, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4903-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4903-2020, 2020
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Our research studies whether science depoliticizes water conflicts or instead conflicts politicize science–policy processes. We analyze a water conflict due to the development of large infrastructure. We interviewed key actors in the conflict and replicated the results of water resources models developed to solve the conflict. We found that knowledge produced in isolation has no positive effect in transforming the conflict; instead, its potential could be enhanced if produced collaboratively.
Sang-Hyun Lee, Amjad T. Assi, Bassel Daher, Fatima E. Mengoub, and Rabi H. Mohtar
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4727–4741, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4727-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4727-2020, 2020
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Proper water availability for the right place and time in a changing climate requires analysis of complex scientific, technical, socioeconomic, regulatory, and political issues. A Water-Energy-Food Nexus Phosphate (WEF-P) Tool, based on integrating supply chain processes, transportation, and water–energy footprints could assess the various scenarios to offer an effective means of ensuring sustainable management of limited resources to both agricultural areas and the phosphate industry.
Jared D. Wolfe, Kevin R. Shook, Chris Spence, and Colin J. Whitfield
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3945–3967, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3945-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3945-2019, 2019
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Watershed classification can identify regions expected to respond similarly to disturbance. Methods should extend beyond hydrology to include other environmental questions, such as ecology and water quality. We developed a classification for the Canadian Prairie and identified seven classes defined by watershed characteristics, including elevation, climate, wetland density, and surficial geology. Results provide a basis for evaluating watershed response to land management and climate condition.
Arvid Bring and Steve W. Lyon
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2369–2378, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2369-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2369-2019, 2019
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Hydrology education strives to teach students both quantitative ability and complex professional skills. Our research shows that role-play simulations are useful to make students able to integrate various analytical skills in complicated settings while not interfering with traditional teaching that fosters their ability to solve mathematical problems. Despite this there are several potential challenging areas in using role-plays, and we therefore suggest ways around these potential roadblocks.
Jin-Young Hyun, Shih-Yu Huang, Yi-Chen Ethan Yang, Vincent Tidwell, and Jordan Macknick
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 2261–2278, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2261-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-2261-2019, 2019
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This study applies a two-way coupled agent-based model (ABM) with a river-reservoir management model (RiverWare) to analyze the role of risk perception in water management decisions using the Bayesian inference mapping joined with the cost–loss model. The calibration results capture the dynamics of historical irrigated area and streamflow changes and suggest that the proposed framework improves the representation of human decision-making processes compared to conventional rule-based ABMs.
Henning Lebrenz and András Bárdossy
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 1633–1648, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1633-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-1633-2019, 2019
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Many variables, e.g., in hydrology, geology, and social sciences, are only observed at a few distinct measurement locations, and their actual distribution in the entire space remains unknown. We introduce the new geostatistical interpolation method of
quantile kriging, providing an improved estimator and associated uncertainty. It can also host variables, which would not fulfill the implicit presumptions of the traditional geostatistical interpolation methods.
Gemma J. Venhuizen, Rolf Hut, Casper Albers, Cathelijne R. Stoof, and Ionica Smeets
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 393–403, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-393-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-393-2019, 2019
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Do experts attach the same meaning as laypeople to terms often used in hydrology such as "river", "flooding" and "downstream"? In this study a survey was completed by 34 experts and 119 laypeople to answer this question. We found that there are some profound differences between experts and laypeople: words like "river" and "river basin" turn out to have a different interpretation between the two groups. However, when using pictures there is much more agreement between the groups.
James O. Knighton, Osamu Tsuda, Rebecca Elliott, and M. Todd Walter
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 5657–5673, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5657-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5657-2018, 2018
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Decision-making for flood risk management is often the collective effort of professionals within government, NGOs, private practice, and advocacy groups. Our research investigates differences among flood experts within Tompkins County, New York (USA). We explore how they differ in their perceptions of flooding risk, desired project outcomes, and knowledge. We observe substantial differences among experts, and recommend formally acknowledging these perceptions when engaging in flood management.
Md Ruknul Ferdous, Anna Wesselink, Luigia Brandimarte, Kymo Slager, Margreet Zwarteveen, and Giuliano Di Baldassarre
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 5159–5173, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5159-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5159-2018, 2018
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Socio-hydrological space (SHS) is a concept that enriches the study of socio-hydrology because it helps understand the detailed human–water interactions in a specific location. The concept suggests that the interactions between society and water are place-bound because of differences in social processes and river dynamics. This would be useful for developing interventions under disaster management, but also other development goals. SHS provides a new way of looking at socio-hydrological systems.
Xiao-Bo Luan, Ya-Li Yin, Pu-Te Wu, Shi-Kun Sun, Yu-Bao Wang, Xue-Rui Gao, and Jing Liu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 5111–5123, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5111-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-5111-2018, 2018
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At present, the water footprint calculated by the quantitative method of crop production water footprint is only a field-scale water footprint, which does not contain all the water consumption of the crop growth process, so its calculated crop production water footprint is incomplete. In this study, the hydrological model SWAT was used to analyze the real water consumption in the course of crop growth, so that the actual water consumption of the crops could be more accurately reflected.
Hafsa Ahmed Munia, Joseph H. A. Guillaume, Naho Mirumachi, Yoshihide Wada, and Matti Kummu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 2795–2809, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-2795-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-2795-2018, 2018
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An analytical framework is developed drawing on ideas of regime shifts from resilience literature to understand the transition between cases where water scarcity is or is not experienced depending on whether water from upstream is or is not available. The analysis shows 386 million people dependent on upstream water to avoid possible stress and 306 million people dependent on upstream water to avoid possible shortage. This provides insights into implications for negotiations between sub-basins.
Erik Mostert
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 317–329, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-317-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-317-2018, 2018
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This paper argues for an alternative approach for socio‒hydrology: detailed case study research. Detailed case study research can increase understanding of how society interacts with hydrology, offers more levers for management than coupled modelling, and facilitates interdisciplinary cooperation. The paper presents a case study of the Dommel Basin in the Netherlands and Belgium and compares this with a published model of the Kissimmee Basin in Florida.
Feng Mao, Julian Clark, Timothy Karpouzoglou, Art Dewulf, Wouter Buytaert, and David Hannah
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3655–3670, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3655-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3655-2017, 2017
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The paper aims to propose a conceptual framework that supports nuanced understanding and analytical assessment of resilience in socio-hydrological contexts. We identify three framings of resilience for different human–water couplings, which have distinct application fields and are used for different water management challenges. To assess and improve socio-hydrological resilience in each type, we introduce a
resilience canvasas a heuristic tool to design bespoke management strategies.
Songjun Han, Fuqiang Tian, Ye Liu, and Xianhui Duan
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3619–3633, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3619-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3619-2017, 2017
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The history of the co-evolution of the coupled human–groundwater system in Cangzhou (a region with the most serious depression cone in the North China Plain) is analyzed with a particular focus on how the groundwater crisis unfolded and how people attempted to settle the crisis. The evolution of the system was substantially impacted by two droughts. Further restoration of groundwater environment could be anticipated, but the occurrence of drought still remains an undetermined external forcing.
Kharis Erasta Reza Pramana and Maurits Willem Ertsen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4093–4115, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4093-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4093-2016, 2016
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The effects of human actions in small-scale water development initiatives and the associated hydrological research activities are basically unspecified. We argue that more explicit attention helps to design more appropriate answers to the challenges faced in field studies. A more systematic approach is proposed that would be useful when designing field projects: two sets of questions on (1) dealing with surprises and (2) cost–benefits of data gathering.
Rolf Hut, Anne M. Land-Zandstra, Ionica Smeets, and Cathelijne R. Stoof
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 2507–2518, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2507-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-2507-2016, 2016
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To help geo-scientists prepare for TV appearances, we review the scientific literature on effective science communication related to TV. We identify six main themes: scientist motivation, target audience, narratives and storytelling, jargon and information transfer, relationship between scientists and journalists, and stereotypes of scientists on TV. We provide a detailed case study as illustration for each theme.
Hazel Gibson, Iain S. Stewart, Sabine Pahl, and Alison Stokes
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1737–1749, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1737-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1737-2016, 2016
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This paper provides empirical evidence for the value of using a psychology-based approach to communication of hydrology and hazards. It demonstrates the use of the "mental models" approach to risk assessment used in a regional geoscience context to explore the conceptions of the geological subsurface between experts and non-experts, and how that impacts on communication.
J. F. Schyns, A. Y. Hoekstra, and M. J. Booij
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 4581–4608, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4581-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-4581-2015, 2015
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The paper draws attention to the fact that green water (soil moisture returning to the atmosphere through evaporation) is a scarce resource, because its availability is limited and there are competing demands for green water. Around 80 indicators of green water availability and scarcity are reviewed and classified based on their scope and purpose of measurement. This is useful in order to properly include limitations in green water availability in water scarcity assessments.
S. Zhou, Y. Huang, Y. Wei, and G. Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3715–3726, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3715-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3715-2015, 2015
V. Ernstsen, P. Olsen, and A. E. Rosenbom
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3475–3488, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3475-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3475-2015, 2015
M. J. Halverson and S. W. Fleming
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 3301–3318, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3301-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-3301-2015, 2015
A. F. Van Loon, S. W. Ploum, J. Parajka, A. K. Fleig, E. Garnier, G. Laaha, and H. A. J. Van Lanen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 1993–2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1993-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1993-2015, 2015
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Hydrological drought types in cold climates have complex causing factors and impacts. In Austria and Norway, a lack of snowmelt is mainly related to below-normal winter precipitation, and a lack of glaciermelt is mainly related to below-normal summer temperature. These and other hydrological drought types impacted hydropower production, water supply, and agriculture in Europe and the US in the recent and far past. For selected drought events in Norway impacts could be coupled to causing factors.
A. Fernald, S. Guldan, K. Boykin, A. Cibils, M. Gonzales, B. Hurd, S. Lopez, C. Ochoa, M. Ortiz, J. Rivera, S. Rodriguez, and C. Steele
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 293–307, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-293-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-293-2015, 2015
X. C. Cao, P. T. Wu, Y. B. Wang, and X. N. Zhao
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 3165–3178, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3165-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3165-2014, 2014
K. Madani, M. Zarezadeh, and S. Morid
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 3055–3068, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3055-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-3055-2014, 2014
J. Chenoweth, M. Hadjikakou, and C. Zoumides
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 2325–2342, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2325-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-2325-2014, 2014
S. Pande and M. Ertsen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1745–1760, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1745-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1745-2014, 2014
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Short summary
People induce and modify droughts. However, we do not know exactly how relevant human and natural processes interact nor how to evaluate the co-evolution of people and water. Prospect theory can help us to explain the emergence of drought impacts leading to failed welfare expectations (“prospects”) due to water shortage. Our approach helps to explain socio-hydrological phenomena, such as reservoir effects, and can contribute to integrated drought management considering the local context.
People induce and modify droughts. However, we do not know exactly how relevant human and...
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