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HS5.8

Hydrological modelling in the anthropocene
Convener: Jochen Froebrich  | Co-Conveners: Mike Kirkby , Willem De Clercq , Christian Leduc , Christian Siderius 
PICO
 / Fri, 22 Apr, 08:30–10:00

Have we hydrological modellers reached the Anthropocene and does our modelling change decision making in river basin management?

Human influence on aquatic systems has been intense for centuries now, while the availability and quality of water continuously grow to influence societies. In view of new and ongoing global environmental changes and socio-economic transitions, studying the interaction between society and water has received increasing attention. Human decision making is an important factor in many water stressed regions, influencing the hydrological cycle. This is widely recognized in the hydrological modelling community.
However, in many hydrological models the human influence is restricted to land use patterns, point sources and abstractions. Management decisions on changing land and water use are absent or highly simplified. There is a lack of understanding how to consider spatio-temporal differences and intensity in decision making for the simulation of scenarios. Ultimately, hydrological models are supposed to support decision making, either directly or by providing additional insight in processes and thresholds. But how well are they suited for this task?
What is missing? How can we advance? We are looking for studies that advance modelling of e.g. dam operation, irrigation management strategies and seasonal cropping decisions and studies that integrate new sources of data (e.g. big data, satellites).