Hydrological research takes place across extremely different spatial scales (field to global). Experimentalists have understanding of detailed hydrological processes of hillslopes and headwater catchments, model developers generate larger-scale hydrological descriptions to simulate streamflow, while global hydrologists use such models to simulate the global water cycle.

In theory, research at these different spatial scales could be strongly connected. For example, field experiments lead to new understanding and models, which leads to improved hydrologic predictions at larger scales. In practice, hydrological research across different spatial scales may be more disconnected. Barriers, such as limited data availability and consistency, large heterogeneities across diverse landscapes, and a lack of scalable hydrological models and theories may limit the interaction between scales.

This session brings together experts who work on the boundaries of each of these fields: Prof. Jeffrey McDonnell (focussing on the role of experimental findings at the field/catchment scale), Dr. Markus Hrachowitz (focussing on the role of catchment-scale model/theory development), and Prof. Reed Maxwell (focussing on the role of large-scale model development). They will share their experiences on bridging the connections between these scales, the difficulties and opportunities of transferring knowledge between them and their views on future developments in scaling hydrological knowledge from the field to the global scale.

The event will start short presentations of the three experts on the current state of research and future direction of their corresponding sub-theme. This will be followed by an extensive open discussion between members of the audience and the panel of experts.

We highly encourage early career researchers to attend this event and participate in the discussion with our three invited experts. This event should provide insight into one of the most complex and timeless issues in hydrology, and thereby it could help identifying how you can make your own (future) research more beneficial for the wider field.

While you do not have to pre-register, early career scientists are now invited to propose specific topics for discussion under the event theme and/or questions for the experts in an email to the session conveners.

This session is co-organized by the Young Hydrologic Society (youngHS.com).