https://hess.copernicus.org/articles/ Combined list of the recent articles of the journal Hydrology and Earth System Sciences and the recent discussion forum Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions en https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6265-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6265-2026 <b>Technical note: A physically based correction of WRF temperature using atmospheric lapse rates for high-resolution hydrological simulations in a glacierized catchment</b><br> Florentin Hofmeister, Xinyang Fan, Madlene Pfeiffer, Ben Marzeion, Bettina Schaefli, and Gabriele Chiogna<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6265–6288, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6265-2026, 2026<br> We developed a new approach to improve the climate data used to study water and glaciers in high-mountain regions. By correcting unrealistic air temperatures and moisture while keeping the data physically consistent, we achieved much better agreement with measurements and more accurate simulations of snow, glacier change, and river flow. The method also preserved long-term warming trends, making it useful for studying future climate impacts in mountain areas. Tue, 13 Oct 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6249-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6249-2026 <b>The influence of vapor pressure deficit changes on global terrestrial evapotranspiration</b><br> Yuxin Miao, Guofeng Zhu, Yuhao Wang, Enwei Huang, Qingyang Wang, Yani Gun, Zhijie Zheng, Jiangwei Yang, Wenmin Li, and Ziwen Liu<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6249–6264, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6249-2026, 2026<br> As the climate warms, drier air can change how water moves from land to the atmosphere. We used global satellite and climate data from 1981 to 2020 to study this change. We found that drier air was linked to greater water loss over about 61% of land, especially in warm and humid regions. Plant water loss was more strongly linked to air dryness than water loss from bare soil, while dry regions showed limits or declines. These results can improve forecasts of future water-cycle change. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6235-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6235-2026 <b>The influence of lakes and reservoirs on estimated flood peaks at hourly vs. daily timescale in the Alps</b><br> Jonas Götte, Paul C. Astagneau, and Manuela I. Brunner<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6235–6248, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6235-2026, 2026<br> While the effect of water bodies on flood peaks at different time resolutions has been demonstrated in the past, it remains unclear how they affect the ratio between daily and hourly peaks. Our results show that (1) hourly flows are dampened much more strongly than daily flows, which leads to similar daily and hourly flood peaks downstream of reservoirs; and (2) the attenuation effect is particularly pronounced in catchments that are heavily influenced by water bodies. Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6207-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6207-2026 <b>The ability of LSTM to model snowmelt versus rainfall generated floods</b><br> Sigrid Jørgensen Bakke, Danielle Marie Barna, Kolbjørn Engeland, Sjur Anders Kolberg, and Sunniva Nordeide<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6207–6233, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6207-2026, 2026<br> Hydrological models need to simulate both rainfall and snowmelt generated floods in regions with snow. We evaluated a deep learning model’s ability to capture timing and magnitude of floods generated by snowmelt and rainfall separately. Timing was better simulated for rainfall than snowmelt generated floods, whereas results for flood peak magnitudes were similar. Compared to an operational model, the deep learning model was better at simulating both flood types in the majority of the catchments. Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6189-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6189-2026 <b>Improved seasonal hydrological forecasting for Great Britain</b><br> Mark D. Rhodes-Smith, Victoria A. Bell, Nicky Stringer, Helen Baron, Helen Davies, and Jeff Knight<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6189–6206, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6189-2026, 2026<br> River flow forecasts up to three months ahead can allow early preparations for future floods and droughts. We test a new forecasting system using weather forecasts made by selecting historical weather patterns that match current conditions and running them through a simulation of Great Britain's rivers. Our tests show that this system performs particularly well in the winter and spring, in northern Scotland and in southern England. We now use this system to produce forecasts regularly. Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6159-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6159-2026 <b>Improving large-scale river routing models with ESA long-term CCI discharge data assimilation: advancing accuracy for climate studies</b><br> Malak Sadki, Gaëtan Noual, Simon Munier, Vanessa Pedinotti, Kaushlendra Verma, Clément Albergel, Sylvain Biancamaria, and Alice Andral<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6159–6187, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6159-2026, 2026<br> his study explores how 20 years of European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative discharge products improve large-scale hydrological simulations through data assimilation. Tests in two contrasting models across Niger and Congo basins show that temporally dense discharge data reduces bias and improves internal variability. Although product quality, sampling, and basin processes control gain reliability, the findings support these datasets' value in refining models for climate studies. Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6131-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6131-2026 <b>Assessing the seasonal compartmentalization of water fluxes in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum of a high-elevation mountain grassland</b><br> Alessio Gentile, Davide Gisolo, Stefano Brighenti, Giulia Zuecco, Chiara Marchina, Davide Canone, Tanzeel Hamza, Stefano Ferrari, Stefano Bechis, and Stefano Ferraris<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6131–6157, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6131-2026, 2026<br> This study explores how snowmelt and rainfall supply water to plants and groundwater in a high-elevation mountain grassland. Using field data and model simulations, we tracked how snowmelt and summer rain move through the soil. Snowmelt mainly supplies deep drainage, while rain mainly feeds plants. Nevertheless, during a very dry year, snowmelt contributed more than usual to plant water use. These results show how reduced snowfalls and droughts may affect the mountain water cycle. Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6115-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6115-2026 <b>Divergent responses of streamflow reanalysis errors to precipitation reanalysis errors modulated by catchment heterogeneity</b><br> Qiang Li, Tongtiegang Zhao, Zexin Chen, and Zeqing Huang<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6115–6129, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6115-2026, 2026<br> This paper explores how streamflow reanalysis responds to precipitation forcing errors across 671 catchments in the United States. For the Global Flood Awareness System v4.0 driven by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5, each 1 mm increase in precipitation error causes a mean increase of 0.51 mm streamflow error. This response varies by catchments as humid regions amplify the increased errors up to 2.5 mm, but arid and snowy regions dampen or delay them by storage. Wed, 30 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6075-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6075-2026 <b>Incorporating spatial heterogeneity into evapotranspiration estimates for bioretention basins</b><br> Joshua S. Caplan, Martin Bouda, Allyson B. Salisbury, Michael Alonzo, Jonathan E. Nyquist, Laura Toran, and Sasha W. Eisenman<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6075–6093, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6075-2026, 2026<br> We sought to test and improve the modeling tools used to quantify evapotranspiration (ET) in urban bioretention basins, where plant size and shade vary widely. Using direct measurements and spatially detailed data from a basin in Philadelphia, we found that common models often produce ET estimates that differ substantially from empirical estimates. Simple corrections to standard models greatly improve agreement, helping cities better predict green stormwater infrastructure performance. Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6095-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6095-2026 <b>Online xylem water isotope monitoring and soil water content profiling reveal spatial root water uptake dynamics in sunflower</b><br> Youri Rothfuss, Samuel Le Gall, Nicolas Brüggemann, Sharmin Jahan, Mathieu Javaux, Julian Klaus, Harry Vereecken, and Dagmar van Dusschoten<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6095–6114, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6095-2026, 2026<br> How plants cope with water stress is relevant when studying plant water sources in soil. We associated two techniques for measuring the content in water stable isotopes in the stem of sunflower plants and for locating where they take up water in a non-destructive manner. We highlight the role of stem water as a source of water to transpiration flux. Tue, 29 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6057-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6057-2026 <b>Investigating terrestrial water storage change in a western Canadian river basin with GRACE/GRACE-FO and fully-integrated groundwater – surface water modelling</b><br> Stephanie Bringeland, Steven K. Frey, Georgia Fotopoulos, John Crowley, Shu Xu, Omar Khader, Hyung Eum, Babak Farjad, Andre R. Erler, and Anil Gupta<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6057–6073, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6057-2026, 2026<br> A HydroGeoSphere model which represents surface and groundwater is used to assess trends from 2002–2019 in water resources in Alberta, Canada and the driving factors behind these changes. Satellite-derived gravity data is compared to HydroGeoSphere model results; a strong correlation is identified. Components of water storage are assessed, namely groundwater, soil moisture, surface water, and snow. Fluctuations in water storage in Southern Alberta are linked to global climatic indices. Mon, 28 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6019-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6019-2026 <b>Integrating coupled surface–subsurface modelling and field measurements in a degraded fen: water-balance dynamics and a framework for evaluating rewetting measures</b><br> Nariman Mahmoodi, Christoph Merz, Jürgen Pickert, and Ottfried Dietrich<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6019–6037, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6019-2026, 2026<br> This paper applies a coupled 3D surface–subsurface model to a degraded fen peatland using long-term field data on evapotranspiration, groundwater, vegetation, and ditch water levels. By explicitly representing layered peat degradation and vegetation-controlled evapotranspiration, it enables consistent quantification of all water-balance components. The results provide process-based insights relevant for peatland rewetting under climate variability. Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6039-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6039-2026 <b>Freeze–thaw processes influence shallow groundwater recharge sources and pathways in the Qinghai Lake Basin: insights from water isotopes</b><br> Wenhao Zhang, Xiaoyan Li, Yuanhong Deng, Guangrong Hu, and Fangzhong Shi<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 6039–6055, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-6039-2026, 2026<br> Groundwater plays a crucial role in maintaining baseflow in rivers and ensuring water supply, particularly in alpine regions where the freeze–thaw cycle exerts a strong influence. This study takes the Qinghai Lake basin as a case example to quantify the dynamic characteristics of groundwater recharge sources and pathways during the FT periods. Our research demonstrates that in alpine permafrost regions, freeze-thaw processes regulate water storage and transport. Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5999-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5999-2026 <b>Calibration using downscaled and bias-corrected satellite soil-moisture data can improve watershed model representation of soil-moisture variability</b><br> Binyam Workeye Asfaw, Siam Maksud, Daniel R. Fuka, Amy S. Collick, Robin R. White, and Zachary M. Easton<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 5999–6018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5999-2026, 2026<br> We investigated the use of downscaled and bias-corrected  satellite soil‑moisture data to inform hydrologic model calibration beyond traditional streamflow‑based approaches. Incorporating soil moisture improved representation of internal moisture dynamics without degrading streamflow performance. The study illustrates how satellite soil moisture can help constrain hydrologic models while emphasizing the importance of model structure. Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5971-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5971-2026 <b>The Canadian Surface Reanalysis (CaSR) v3.2 precipitation dataset: a 45-year high-resolution analysis for North America (1980–2024)</b><br> Dikraa Khedhaouiria, Nicolas Gasset, Vincent Fortin, Milena Dimitrijevic, Maxim Bulat, and Xihong Wang<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 5971–5998, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5971-2026, 2026<br> This study presents a new high-resolution precipitation dataset covering North America over the past 45 years. Unlike most reanalysis products that rely mainly on weather models, it directly incorporates ground-based weather station observations. This results in more reliable precipitation estimates than the previous version and commonly used reanalyses, especially in regions with few measurements, supporting studies of water resources, floods, droughts, and climate impacts. Thu, 24 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5925-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5925-2026 <b>Predicting streamflow drought in the conterminous United States using machine learning and a donor-gage approach, 1982–2020</b><br> Aaron Heldmyer, Roy Sando, Caelan Simeone, Michael Wieczorek, Scott Hamshaw, Phillip Goodling, Ryan McShane, Jeremy Diaz, David Watkins, Bryce Pulver, Apoorva Shastry, Konrad Hafen, and John Hammond<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 5925–5945, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5925-2026, 2026<br> We used machine learning to explore what causes streamflow droughts across the U.S. We found that different regions are influenced by different factors like temperature, snow, and rainfall. Our new method can also predict droughts in areas without streamflow data, helping improve water resource planning. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5947-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5947-2026 <b>Characterising runoff processes for Australia: insights from a parsimonious rainfall-runoff event identification method</b><br> Mohammad Masoud Mohammadpour Khoie, Danlu Guo, and Conrad Wasko<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 5947–5970, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5947-2026, 2026<br> Rainfall-runoff event identification can be highly affected by parameter-driven uncertainty and event definitions that do not always reflect hydrological processes. We introduce RVEIM, a parsimonious method for event identification that improves both robustness and physical plausibility. Applied across 467 Australian catchments, RVEIM reveals systematic shifts in event runoff coefficient distribution, demonstrating how event-scale rainfall-runoff relationships vary with climate regime. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5901-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5901-2026 <b>Undercatch corrected gridded precipitation data to improve hydrological modeling in high-alpine orography</b><br> Philipp Maier, Caroline Ehrendorfer, Sophie Lücking, Thomas Pulka, Fabian Lehner, Mathew Herrnegger, Herbert Formayer, and Franziska Koch<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 5901–5924, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5901-2026, 2026<br> Snow and rainfall measurements in mountain regions often underestimate the true amounts. We developed a method to correct Austrian precipitation data using weather stations and terrain features. The corrected data greatly improves runoff, snow and glacier modeling. This work shows that considering measurement errors is important for accurately assessing water resources, which is increasingly relevant as climate change affects alpine water systems supplying hydropower and downstream communities. Thu, 17 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5873-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5873-2026 <b>Assessing the stability of LSTM runoff projections in Switzerland under climate scenarios</b><br> Fabien Courvoisier, Basil Kraft, Yann Yasser Haddad, Massimiliano Zappa, and Lukas Gudmundsson<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 5873–5900, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5873-2026, 2026<br> Climate change strongly modifies runoff in alpine regions like Switzerland, altering water supply and affecting both human sectors and natural ecosystems. We test whether a model that learns only from past observations can credibly project future runoff under climate scenarios. It captures major expected shifts and reveals known limits for extremes. Its speed and ability to generalize across catchments make it a promising tool for assessing climate impacts on water resources. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5833-2026 https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5833-2026 <b>Climatology and trends of extreme precipitation in France: evaluation of an explicit-convection regional climate model</b><br> Nicolas Decoopman, Juliette Blanchet, Antoine Blanc, and Cécile Caillaud<br> Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 30, 5833–5855, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-30-5833-2026, 2026<br> This study evaluates the ability of the convection-permitting regional climate model AROME (Applications of Research to Operations at Mesoscale) to reproduce precipitation extremes and their trends, at daily and hourly scales in France, over 1959–2022. Overall, the results highlight the value of the explicit-convection model for extreme precipitation studies, while also highlighting its limitations for convective extremes. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:52:53 +0200