IAHS News

HSJ Special Issue on “Hydrological Data: Opportunities and Barriers”

Data issues were, are, and will remain a core component of the hydrological sciences.  Their character and influence on the way the discipline is practiced may vary through time, but their intrinsic role in understanding and managing water resources, as well as in developing sound water policies dictates their continuing importance.  Whereas the primary data issues during much of the twentieth century focused on establishing and maintaining in situ observing networks to provide a sound basis for understanding and predicting the quantity and quality of the resource, both on the surface and in the ground, today’s concern encompasses a much broader suite of problems. 

To elevate and expand the discussion of the critical role of data in all aspects of the hydrological sciences, a Special Issue of the Hydrological Sciences Journal entitled “Hydrological Data: Opportunities and Barriers” is being planned for publication.  Articles are currently being sought on all aspects of data in hydrology; from traditional concerns related to networks to more contemporary thinking about simple, low cost innovations in instrumentation, data management and exchange protocols, and big data, as in large-scale multi-model ensembles spanning long time periods.  Numerous emerging activities and topics provide a substantial source of potential contributions.

For example, the assimilation of data from new observation technologies is an expanding issue which has given rise to activities and efforts within the scientific community, the operational services and the facilitating mechanisms of the United Nations towards measurements and observations in the twenty-first century, innovative water monitoring capabilities and data exchange, virtual labs to facilitate observation-modelling progress; as well as an array of efforts involving citizen science, simple and inexpensive instrumentation, remote sensing innovations, and studies involving the comparative assessment of using a limited number of research basins versus a relatively large number of management basins (e.g., PUB and its ongoing follow ups). 

Similarly, data assimilation among various system components in the modeling of hydroclimatology and hydrometeorology, and their interfaces with the land surface, ecological and social systems, and others is moving forward – especially within the framework of the Panta Rhei initiative.  Moreover, the emerging focus on the water-food-energy nexus reflects not only the increasing demand for data within each sector, but for viable approaches to their integration that ensure water and food security, sustainable agriculture, and energy production worldwide. 

The recent discussions of big data and emerging efforts associated with the shaping of "data science" are crucial concerns for the future of hydrology and should be explored.  Also, a number of concerns dealing with retrospective investigations are data-dependent, with particular worries related to data archiving and data rescue. 

Moreover, hydrological data are typically obtained through a combination of observations and computational algorithms.  For example, river discharge is most often estimated from water level via a rating curve; multi-spectrum analysis of satellite data is frequently combined with multiple information sources to produce a variety of Earth observation products; and observed time-series are used to estimate parameters in complex dynamic hydrological models.  As a result, the boundary between observed and computed data is often vague and, considering the degree to which such data are shared, re-used and cited, it can be difficult to trace their provenance.  

Notably, a strong and vigorous debate on data could be critical to the development of new policy messages regarding observing networks; i.e., their density, quality, sustainability, investment, modernization, etc.  Such a debate may also serve as an important contribution to the development of inputs from the hydrological sciences to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals that, at their core, are data dependent, especially along the observation-knowledge-indicator-target value chain.

The data issue is an increasingly import aspect of the publication industry, where inveterate concerns over open access to data have long vexed the community.  The emerging interest in providing datasets as supplementary materials to papers is an encouraging sign, and periodicals like the Hydrological Science Journal take this opportunity to develop and promote such policies for their operations.  IAHS could use this Special Issue as a basis for developing new and related portals on iahs.info .

Finally, it is critical that corresponding competencies in hydrology be identified for education and capacity building, particularly with respect to data issues. Numerous organizations are working on these issues and contributions reflecting new efforts in this area are of particular interest.

Guest editors

Christophe Cudennec (Agrocampus Ouest, France & IAHS, Managing Guest editor), Berit Arheimer (SMHI, Sweden), Harry Lins (WMO Commission for Hydrology, USA), Stefan Uhlenbrook (UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme, Italy)

Submission

Submission is welcome by 1st November through the Hydrological Sciences Journal online platform https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/thsj20/current

We strongly encourage potential authors to contact first the Managing Guest Editor at [email protected] to inquire about the suitability of their manuscript and about any innovative concept.

Accepted papers will be immediately published along the flow.

23 Unsolved Problems in Hydrology - Update

In November 2017 IAHS launched an initiative to generate the 23 unsolved problems in Hydrology that would revolutionise research in the 21st century with a YouTube video. We have since been gathering a list of questions and discussion through the IAHS LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13552921 .

The list will be discussed during the Splinter meeting on Friday, 13th April 2018 at EGU in Vienna and further discussed and finalised at the 2018 Vienna Catchment Science Symposium - "23 unsolved problems in Hydrology that would revolutionise research in the 21st century", on Saturday, 14th April, at Vienna University of Technology http://www.waterresources.at/fileadmin/user_uploads/News_items/VCSS_Programme_2018_v4.pdf .

The forum welcomes inputs and discussions until next Thursday, 12th April before the meetings in Vienna on Friday and Saturday.

International Conference on Natural Hazards and Risks in a Changing World

Dear colleagues,

The registration for the "International Conference on Natural Hazards and Risks in a Changing World" is now open! The conference will be held at the University of Potsdam (Campus Griebnitzsee) in Potsdam, Germany, from 4-5 October 2018.

The purpose of this conference is to bring together researchers from natural sciences (e.g. hydrology, meteorology, geomorphology, hydraulic engineering, environmental science, seismology, geography), risk research, nonlinear systems dynamics, and applied mathematics to discuss new insights and developments about data science, changing systems, multi-hazard events and the linkage between hazard and vulnerabilities under unstable environmental conditions. Knowledge transfer, communication and networking will be key issues of the conference. The conference will be organized by means of invited talks given by outstanding experts, oral presentations, poster sessions and discussions.

Already confirmed speakers are:
1) Prof. Dr. Matthias Holschneider (University of Potsdam, Institute of Mathematics): Data Science
2) Prof. Dr. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) Potsdam): Changing Systems
3) Prof. Dr. Jakob Rhyner (United Nations University, Institute for Environment and Human Security): Cascade and Multi-Hazard
4) Prof. Dr. Jeroen Aerts (VU Amsterdam, Institute for Environmental Studies): Linking Hazard and Vulnerability

Please submit your abstract of 300-500 words, including title, author‘s name, and affiliation until 15th May 2018 via the link: http://www.j-work.de/up/nathazardsrisk/
Letters of acceptance/rejection will be send to the corresponding author before 15th June 2018. Registration can be done until 4th September 2018 via the link: http://www.j-work.de/up/nathazardsrisk/
For organizational reasons, attendance is limited in number.

We are happy to announce that the German Committee for Disaster Reduction (DKKV) will award the Young Professionals Award “Preparedness 2030“ at the conference. DKKV wants to highlight and promote outstanding theses in any field consistent with disaster reduction. The call for contributions and further information can be found at www.dkkv.org . The application deadline for the “Preparedness 2030“ Award is 1st of August 2018.

More details about the conference can be found in the attached flyer.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Potsdam!
Kind regards,
Theresia Petrow

International Decade for Action Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028

On World Water Day, http://worldwaterday.org/, 22 March 2018, the 'International Decade for Action: Water for Sustainable Development 2018-2028' is launched by the United Nations in New York.  https://www.un.org/pga/72/event-latest/launch-of-the-international-decade-of-water-for-sustainable-development-2018-2028/

IAHS is member of the Task Force set up by UN Water to facilitate the planning and organisation of the Decade. http://www.wateractiondecade.org/

'In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the resolution “International Decade (2018–2028) for Action – Water for Sustainable Development” to help put a greater focus on water during ten years.

Emphasizing that water is critical for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty and hunger, UN Member States expressed deep concern over the lack of access to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene and over water related disasters, scarcity and pollution being exacerbated by urbanization, population growth, desertification, drought and climate change. The new Decade will focus on the sustainable development and integrated management of water resources for the achievement of social, economic and environmental objectives and on the implementation and promotion of related programmes and projects, as well as on the furtherance of cooperation and partnership at all levels in order to help to achieve internationally agreed water-related goals and targets, including those contained in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In the resolution, UN Member States invited the Secretary-General, with the support of UN-Water, to take appropriate steps, within existing resources, to plan and organize the activities of the Decade at the global, regional and country levels.

The Decade will commence on World Water Day 22 March 2018, and terminate on World Water Day, 22 March 2028.'

(Source:http://www.unwater.org/new-decade-water/ )

2018 UN World Water Development Report, Nature-based Solutions for Water

The World Water Development Report was presented at the 8th World Water Forum, in Brasilia, Brazil on the 19th of March 2018. IAHS contributed to the report as an official partner of UN Water.


The WWDR2018, Nature-based solutions for water, demonstrates how nature-based solutions (NBS) offer a vital means of moving beyond business-as-usual to address many of the world’s water challenges while simultaneously delivering additional benefits vital to all aspects of sustainable development.

Currently, water management remains heavily dominated by traditional, human-built (i.e. ‘grey’) infrastructure and the enormous potential for NBS remains under-utilized. NBS include green infrastructure that can substitute, augment or work in parallel with grey infrastructure in a cost-effective manner. The goal is to find the most appropriate blend of green and grey investments to maximize benefits and system efficiency while minimizing costs and trade-offs.

NBS for water are central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development because they also generate social, economic and environmental co-benefits, including human health and livelihoods, food and energy security, sustainable economic growth, decent jobs, ecosystem rehabilitation and maintenance, and biodiversity. Although NBS are not a panacea, they will play an essential role towards the circular economy and in building a more equitable future for all.

Working with nature improves the management of water resources, helps achieve water security for all, and supports the core aspects of sustainable development.

The full version of the report and presentation can be found at:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/water/wwap/wwdr/2018-nature-based-solutions/

IAHS Announce the winner of the 2018 Tison Award

The Secretary General of IAHS is pleased to announce that the jury of the IAHS Tison award for young hydrologists have identified the 2018 winning paper as:

Ryan T. Bailey & Saman Tavakoli Kivi (2017) Method for estimating available groundwater volume of small coral islands, Hydrological Sciences Journal, 62:14, 2381-2392, DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2017.1382703

This award is prestigious with a 1000 US$ prize and a 1 year subscription to HSJ sponsored by Taylor & Francis the publisher of Hydrological Sciences Journal.

Our congratulations go to both authors.

The award ceremony, together with the 2 medals of the IAHS-UNESCO-WMO International Hydrology Prize, will be held on 8 May during the WMO Global Conference "Prosperity through hydrological services", http://hydroconference.wmo.int/en/conf  at the WMO Headquarters, Geneva.
 

 
The paper is free to view on Taylor & Francis online - 10.1080/02626667.2017.1382703

The IAHS Tison Award, established in 1982, aims to promote excellence in research by young hydrologists. The Award is granted for an outstanding paper published by IAHS in a period of two years previous to the deadline for nominations. The description of the award is available at https://iahs.info/About-IAHS/Competition--Events/Tison-Award.do

2018 International Hydrology Prize medallists

IAHS are pleased to announce the recipients of the International Hydrology Prize (Dooge medal and Volker medal) for 2018.

The award ceremony will be held on May 8th 2018 at the Global conference 'Prosperity through hydrological services' organized by WMO in Geneva  http://hydroconference.wmo.int/en/conf

The 2018 recipients of the IAHS-UNESCO-WMO International Hydrology Prize are:

Dooge medal - Howard Wheater, at the University of Saskatchewan Canada

Volker medal - Andreas Schumann, at the Ruhr University in Bochum Germany

Nominations for the annual Prize are made by National Committees to IAHS, National Committees to the UNESCO-IHP or National Hydrological Advisors to the WMO, and forwarded to the Secretary General of IAHS for consideration by the Nomination Committee. The Committee consists of the President and a Vice-President of IAHS and representatives of UNESCO and WMO.

As of 2014, two medals are awarded under the International Hydrology Prize: the Dooge medal and the Volker medal. Both medals are intended to distinguish outstanding achievements by hydrological scientists but with a different focus. The Dooge medal is aimed at fundamental contributions to the science of hydrology, whereas the Volker medal is aimed at outstanding applications of hydrological science for the benefit of society at large.

https://iahs.info/About-IAHS/Competition--Events/International-Hydrology-Prize.do  

Our warmest congratulations go to both recipients.

Registration and abstract submission now open for ICCE symposium 2018

Dear colleagues,

Registration and abstract submission for the ICCE Symposium are now open.  Entitled "Climate Change Impacts on Sediment Dynamics: Measurement, Modelling and Management" the symposium will take place from 27 to 31 August 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

The symposium will focus on:
- Climate change and human impacts as a drivers of erosion, sediment dynamics, and river morphology transformation;
- The influence of climate change on water quality and drinking water treatment and supply;
- Erosion and sediment transport models and river basin management tools.

The ICCE Symposium will be accompanied by The Second International Young Scientists Forum on Soil and Water Conservation which will address mechanism/processes and modelling of soil degradation, innovation of technology of soil and water conservation, ecological restoration and regional sustainable development.

More information about registration and the submission of abstracts is available on the symposium website http://www.eng.geogr.msu.ru/IYFSWC/

Please, distribute this information to your colleagues and international partners. We are looking forward to meeting you in Moscow in August 2018.

With our best regards,

The Local Organizing Committee
Dr. Sergey Chalov, ICCE Vice-President
prof. Valentin Golosov, ICCE past President

Remote Sensing and Hydrology Symposium abstract submission extended to 7 March

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of the IAHS-International Commission of Remote Sensing, we announce that abstract submission for the Remote Sensing and Hydrology Symposium has been extended to 7 March 2018. The University of Córdoba hosts this edition, devoted to “Earth Observation for Integrated Water and Basin Management: New possibilities and challenges for adaptation to a changing environment”, from 8-10 May 2018 in Córdoba, Spain.

During the conference, we will discuss the state-of-the-art on this topic and current and future needs from remote sensing to provide hydrologists and other related branches of science with data and tools for research on the water cycle components, hydrological modelling, water resource management, and integrated river basin management, among others.

We encourage the international community to participate in this event and contribute to its results and success; young researchers are especially encouraged to join the discussion. All accepted abstracts will be electronically edited by Copernicus; an extended version of a limited number of works will be solicited to the authors upon acceptance of abstracts to be published in a special issue of PIAHS, the proceedings journal of IAHS. Moreover, selected works from the presentations in the conference will be invited to submit a full paper to a special issue of Hydrological Sciences Journal, the official journal of IAHS, indexed in the JCR.

Please, visit our website for further details about registration and submission of abstracts http://rshssymposiumcordoba2018.com  

Different options for accommodation with special fares for the conference attendees are available; we kindly advise to book in advance from our website and technical office to avoid higher prices due to the tourist season in Córdoba.

Please, distribute this information to your colleagues and international partners. We apologize for potential cross-posting. We are looking forward to welcoming you in Córdoba in May 2018.

With our best regards,

The Organizing Committee
Prof. Dr. María J. Polo, University of Córdoba
Dr. María Pat. González-Dugo, IFAPA
Prof. Christopher Neale, University of Nebraska

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