The Hydrological Sciences Journal is calling for manuscript submissions to one of several Special Issues.

Karst hydrology: characterization and modelling of flow and transport processes in complex karst systems

Karst hydrology represents a continuously evolving field of research with the scientific community. The unique characteristics of karst systems, in particular the multiple phases involved in flow and transport processes, the various interactions with the land surface, and their heterogeneity at the origin of numerous uncertainties, generate hydrological behaviours that are significantly different from other natural hydrological and hydrogeological systems on earth. Given these peculiarities of karst systems, the community working on karst hydrological phenomena brings together researchers from multiple disciplines, such as hydrologists, hydrogeologists, geologists, mathematicians, physicists and many more. While considerable advances have been made over recent decades to better understand, characterize and forecast the hydrological functioning of karst systems, no attempt has been made to collect these contributions in one journal special issue. Submit an article or manuscript here.

Emerging hydro-climatic dynamics and human–water interactions in a changing world: perspectives from Roorkee Water Conclave 2024

Unravelling spatiotemporal patterns and interactions among climate variables, especially those related to hydroclimate, has always been an important task for geoscientists in general, and for hydro-climatologists in particular, mostly because it contributes significantly to better prediction and forecasting. However, complexities are intrinsic to natural systems, and for this reason the task of identifying patterns and interactions has always been challenging. Coupled with the existing challenges of global warming-induced climate change and human influence, these patterns and interactions become further unusual, unexpected and unpredictable. For instance, the influence of anthropogenic activities on the global water cycle has been significant and has been a major factor in changes in the global water balance. Research findings show that humans are responsible for more than half (57%) of seasonal surface water storage fluctuations. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently released a new water cycle diagram, showing humans as part of the hydrological cycle. This Special Issue is expected to advance our understanding of these emerging hydro-climatic patterns, teleconnections, extreme events and human influence in a changing world for more accurate prediction or projection of their changes, especially on different spatial–time scales. Submit an article or manuscript here.

Twenty-first century hydrological challenges and opportunities in Africa.

Africa is endowed with vast surface water and groundwater resources. However, several issues, including climate change, population growth, land use and land cover change, have presented numerous hydrological challenges with consequences for livelihoods, socio-economic development and the environment. There is strong evidence that changes in the hydrological cycle have occurred and will continue to do so in the future. The impacts of these include altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures and multiplication of extreme weather events, thereby increasing water scarcity, pollution of water resources and uneven distribution of water availability. These changes have profound implications for water supply, agriculture, ecosystems and public health, necessitating a deeper understanding of Africa's hydrological systems. The Twenty-first century hydrological challenges and opportunities in Africa Special Issue offers a platform for experts in hydrology, hydrogeology, climate science, water resources governance and related fields to share their expertise and latest discoveries on the topic across the African continent. This Africa Special Issue is not only an opportunity to highlight pressing challenges but also a platform to showcase innovative solutions and success stories from the African continent. With this Special Issue, we aim to inspire collaborative efforts and promote the exchange of ideas, knowledge and best practice among the African regions and wider global hydrological community. Submit an article or manuscript here.