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.

To all who have signed up to HELPING Working Groups

Please note that IAHS is organising 3 events at large international conferences in 2024! They are as follows:

• Roorkee Water Conclave, 3-6 March 2024, India
• European Geosciences Union (EGU), 14-19 April 2024, Vienna, Austria  HS1.3.1 HELPING Science for Solutions Decade
• Asia Ocean Geosciences Society (AOGS), 23-28 June 2024, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, South Korea HS40 – HELPING 

The call for abstracts to EGU is 10 January 2024! You will find our Session HS1.3.1 HERE so please submit an abstract indicating your relevant work for the New Science for Solutions Decade. It will be a great opportunity for many of us to meet in person and discuss the way forward.

If you're curious about the HELPING Working Groups and want to learn more, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Our team is passionate about what we do, and we'd love to share the details with you. Just drop us an email at [email protected], and let's embark on this scientific journey together. Your quest for knowledge starts here! 

See you there!

It has come to our attention that there are bogus emails circulating claiming to be from the IAHS President. Please do not engage with an unexpected request for help.

Have you received an email or text (SMS) requesting financial assistance or personal help for an IAHS officer? Is someone asking about your IAHS account, email, phone number, password, or payment method? If so, it probably did not come from us.

We will never ask you to enter your personal information in a text or email. This includes:

Credit or debit card numbers
Bank account details
IAHS passwords.

Please, ignore emails and texts that are not specific or expected. If the email or text links to an URL that you don't recognise, do not tap or click it. If you did already, do not enter any information on the website that opened.

Scammers can’t get information from you unless you give it to them. So don’t click any links in the messages or reply to them.

Please forward any suspicious emails to [email protected] so that we can report the phishing attack to the British police.

HYDROLOGICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL 
Editor in Chief: Attilio Castellarin
Co-Editors: Stacey Archfield, Aldo Fiori, Konstantinos Soulis, and Riddhi Singh.

Hydrological Sciences Journal provides a forum for original papers and discussion of significant developments in hydrological science and practice, and related disciplines.

The Impact Factor of HSJ is 3.5 (©2023 Clarivate Analytics, 2022 Journal Citation Reports®) with a 5-year Impact Factor of 3.7.

Institutions and libraries should order direct from Taylor & Francis or their usual agent.

Special journal subscription rates are available to IAHS Members: £27.00 for a personal online subscription, and £48.00 for a personal online + print subscription.  IAHS Members should order by contacting [email protected]  

Access to the back archive is free - explore 66 volumes of cutting-edge research and discovery.

IAHS members from the following countries are eligible for 80% discount on book prices, subject to the minimum price restriction, and free online access to HSJ via the IAHS website members area:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Republic of, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

List of eligible countries with GDP per capita smaller than the median of all countries of the world (UN data, 2020)

N.B. This list is subject to revision.

I hope this message finds you well as we approach the end of another remarkable year. It's been a journey filled with hard work, dedication, and significant accomplishments. As we prepare to bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the opportunities of the year ahead, let's take a moment to reflect on some of the remarkable successes we've achieved together.

HELPING: We embarked on a new scientific journey with the launch of the HELPING scientific decade, setting the stage for groundbreaking research and innovation.

Digital Water Globe Launch: Our commitment to embracing technological advancements was evident with the launch of the Digital Water Globe (DWG). The DWG is an innovative tool specially designed for, and by, IAHS members where you can give visibility to (un)published results, research sites and find peers for collaborating around the world. This innovative tool is set to revolutionize how we analyse and understand water systems, setting new standards for research and exploration.

New IAHS Website: Our digital presence received a major boost with the introduction of our new IAHS website, providing a user-friendly platform for our members.

UN 2023 Water Conference: IAHS was proudly represented at the UN 2023 Water Conference, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Berit Arheimer, Christophe Cudennec, and Salvatore Grimaldi.

IUGG General Assembly: We had the privilege of participating in the IUGG General Assembly, where we had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and collaborate with esteemed colleagues from around the world. Our members actively participated, contributing their expertise and insights to foster collaboration and innovation in the field.

2023 IAHS Officer Elections: We conducted successful officer elections during the IAHS Administrative Plenary in July, ensuring the leadership of our organization remains in capable hands.

Panta Rhei Symposium: The Panta Rhei Symposium was a resounding success, marking the closure of the Panta Rhei – Change in Hydrology and Society scientific decade. Your contributions made it a memorable event.

International Commission on Human-Water Feedbacks (ICHWF): The establishment of a new International Commission was a significant step forward, capitalizing on the momentum generated during the Panta Rhei Symposium.

IC Workshops: I am thrilled to share that this year has been a resounding success for our International Commissions’ workshops. We set out with a vision, and through our collective hard work, dedication, and passion, we have not only met but exceeded our goals. From innovative product development to fostering collaboration across borders, our workshops have been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for IAHS, and it's all thanks to your unwavering commitment. The IAHS office is closed and will reopen on Tuesday 2^nd January 2024. Looking ahead, 2024 promises new challenges and opportunities. I am confident that, with your enthusiasm and expertise, we will achieve even greater heights.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and look forward to the opportunities that await us in the coming year, I want to convey a simple yet profound message to each and every one of you. Your passion, expertise, and collaborative spirit are the driving forces behind our success.

Warm regards

Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema 
IAHS Secretary General

The spirit of HELPING collaboration and innovation is in full swing and we are excited to share the milestones from the first year of the decade, where our global community is coming together to make a meaningful impact to understand and handle the water crisis of the Anthropocene.

The journey ahead for the HELPING Working Groups promises excitement, growth, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Currently there are 26 Working Groups attracting from 8 up to 136 people in each (median value is 56 participants). We invite all of you to be part of this incredible adventure. You can join an existing Working Group and contribute to the collective efforts. Together, we will redefine what's achievable and set new standards for success. Stay tuned for updates, announcements, and upcoming events. With joint efforts we can make a difference as a community, and we're excited to have you on board.

Fostering Connections and Synergies

In the spirit of inclusivity and knowledge exchange, two webinars were held on November 2023. The first of which was held on 2^nd November, in which 220 people participated. And the second webinar was held on 9^th November in which 125 people participated. These sessions brought Working Group leaders together to present their ideas and engage with participants who've signed up. Additionally, breakout discussions allowed Working Groups to dive into their tasks and explore potential collaborations. Some Working Groups decided to merge, and others found new homes within different themes, strengthening our connections and synergy. You are invited to view the presentations from each Working Group here.

Webinar 2^nd November 2023

Webinar 9^th November 2023

Unveiling the HELPING Emblem of Unity

In an open call that ignited creativity worldwide, we invited the community to craft an emblem that would symbolise our shared commitment to HELPING. A remarkable total of 14 inspiring logos were submitted for consideration. The moment of decision arrived during the IUGG/IAHS General Assembly in Berlin in July 2023 when attendees raised their hands to cast their votes.

The winning design, masterfully created by Judith Boekee from Delft University of Technology, features a globe cradled by hands from across the planet. It's a powerful representation of our global unity and mutual assistance. The red shape within the emblem is a nod to the IAHS logo, reinforcing our connection.

A Journey Documented: HELPING Community Paper

We're excited to announce that a comprehensive community paper documenting the ideas and initialisation of the HELPING decade in progress. This paper will be submitted to the IAHS community journal Hydrological Sciences Journal (HSJ) early next year. Stay tuned for more updates on this significant milestone here.

Time plan for HELPING

10 December 2022 - 20 January 2023: online forum for suggesting topics
1 - 3 February: workshop in Córdoba, Spain + parallel online meetings (view the Outcomes Document here)
20 February - 1 March: survey on members engagement
15 March: first draft of the Concept Note 
16 March - 28 April: online forum open for suggestion Actions for the new decade
27 April: 1 or 2 Splinter meetings at EGU in Vienna, Austria
29 April: 1 day workshop in Vienna, Austria Flyer Outcomes Document
15 May - 30 June: open call for Working Groups and proposal for the new graphical logo of the decade
8 July: suggested Working Groups on the IAHS website with the possibility to sign up
14 July: launch of the new Scientific decade at the IUGG General Assembly in Berlin
     18:30 hrs open discussion on Working Groups at IUGG General Assembly in Berlin
     19:15 hrs voting for the winner of the graphical logo competition at IUGG General Assembly in Berlin
     Opening the call again for new Working Groups
15 July-15 September: open the call for more Working Groups again
15 September: possibility to sign-up to Working Groups until end September
15 September - 15 October: open call for self-nominations to become Theme leader(s) of first 2 years
early November: open online workshop of consolidated Working Groups
15 November: new descriptions of Working Groups and workplans
1st week of December: decision by Bureau of the strategic plan and HELPING setup
15 December: manuscript of Community Paper to HSJ.

New to HELPING?

If you're new to the world of HELPING and eager to get involved, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is not only passionate about our mission but also excited to provide you with all the information you need. A detailed list of HELPING Working Groups is already available, complete with proposal documents and contact information for the Theme Leaders as well as each Working Group leader. If you find a group that aligns with your research interests, reach out to the leader directly. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]. Your journey toward scientific collaboration and discovery begins here!

Let's unite, innovate, and make a lasting impact together during the HELPING Decade!

We are pleased to announce that the Symposium of the International Commission on Continental Erosion (ICCE) will be hosted at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Germany, on July 24th-26th, 2024. The topic is "Sensitivity of erosion and sediment transport to recent climate change". 

As the anthropogenic alteration of global climate and its specific regional features become more and more evident, the symposium aims to shed light on recent progress and research avenues regarding the sensitivity of erosion and sediment transport to recent climatic and environmental changes. This topic spans multiple compartments of geosystems such as:

• processes on hillslopes and slope stability
• fluvial processes, river planform changes and sediment budgets
• aeolian sediment dynamics

We invite contributions related to different environments of the Earth and hope to stimulate discussion and collaboration. As many of the aforementioned processes affect human life, societies and economy, we are interested in both basic and applied research. Your presentation might also show methodological innovations leading to better measurements and understanding of erosion and sediment transport in the past, present and future.

The venue is located in central Bavaria, between Munich and Nuremberg (airports) and can be reached by national and international train connections. Please visit our conference website https://www.ku.de/icce2024, for full information and register for this international yet familiar event! Registration will stay open until March 3rd, but it is advisable to register and book your accommodation as early as possible, because the meeting will take place during the main summer holiday period in Germany.

Early-career colleagues from disadvantaged countries who are eligible are invited to apply for a Sivapalan Young Scientist Award (SYSTA) travel grant for which the deadline is February 16th 2024.

Looking forward to meeting you!

ICCE Officers

Nominations are now being accepted for the IAHS Tison and Falkenmark awards, as well as the International Hydrology Prize. Nominations for the awards should be received by the Secretary General, Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema at [email protected], no later than 31 December 2023.

IAHS Tison Award, established in 1982, aims to promote excellence in research by young hydrologists. The Award will be granted for an outstanding paper published by IAHS in a period of two years previous to the deadline for nominations. More information, including the list of previous awards and the nomination process, is available here.

IAHS Falkenmark Award, established in 2022 and is for best PhD thesis recognises outstanding contributions to hydrological understanding of water scarcity and water supply. More information, including the list of previous awards and the nomination process, is available here.

The International Hydrology Prize, awarded annually by IAHS, with UNESCO and WMO, to two people who have made an outstanding contribution to hydrological science. 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. More information, including the list of previous awards and the nomination process, is available here.

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Professor Malin Falkenmark. She is best known for her long-standing work and expertise on the sustainable use of water resources to meet human and ecosystem needs. Her work is characterized by pioneering integration of both natural- and social-science approaches in global perspectives. She is particularly known for developing the Falkenmark Water Stress Indicator, concepts of Blue and Green water and Comparative hydrology.

She has had a long relationship with IAHS including receiving the IAHS-UNESCO-WMO International Hydrology Prize in 1998 https://iahs.info/About-IAHS/Competition--Events/International-Hydrology-Prize/International-Hydrology-Prize-Winners/MFalkenmark/. In 2022, inspired by her teaching and long contribution to our sector,  IAHS launched a new award in her honour aimed at the best PhD thesis from a financially disadvantaged country https://iahs.info/About-IAHS/Competition--Events/Falkenmark-Award/.

The Stockholm Resilience Centre have written an obituary providing much more information https://www.stockholmresilience.org/news--events/general-news/2023-12-06-malin-falkenmark-water-pioneer-and-academic-mother-of-water-research-has-passed.html.