Advancements in Large-Scale Hydrology Simulation Technologies

In recent decades, many regions across the globe have experienced severe natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, resulting in substantial loss of life, economic damage, infrastructure destruction, and public health crises. In 2022 alone, the worldwide economic cost of natural disasters totaled 313 billion U.S. dollars. The frequency and intensity of these extreme events are crucial factors for assessing river systems and developing effective flood risk management strategies for both present and future scenarios. Large-scale hydrological modeling tools are indispensable for addressing a range of water-related challenges, fostering sustainable development, and adapting to the impacts of climate change. A variety of advanced hydrological models have been developed for flood mapping, forecasting, and operational use. Beyond traditional in-situ data, remote sensing technologies offer valuable datasets for monitoring and analyzing river systems on a global scale. These data present new opportunities to improve hydrological forecasting and integrate into large-scale models, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts across agencies and organizations. This presentation will explore key tools, systems, and applications resulting from such collaborations, while identifying critical gaps and areas that require further development within the hydrological modeling community.