Effects of Climate Change on Hydrology

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to hydrology, affecting global precipitation patterns, river flows, groundwater levels, storm surges, and water quality. First, rising global temperatures alter the temporal and spatial distribution of precipitation, increasing the intensity and frequency of rainfall, especially of extreme events such as heavy rains and droughts. Some regions may experience an increase in average annual precipitation, while others may see a decrease, leading to greater variability in precipitation patterns. These changes directly impact surface runoff and river flow, causing some areas to face increased flood risks, while others suffer from more severe droughts.

Second, as temperatures rise, evaporation and evapotranspiration intensify, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This not only accelerates the evaporation of surface water bodies but also increases soil and vegetation moisture loss. Moreover, glaciers and permanent snow cover in mountainous regions are melting faster due to global warming, potentially increasing river flows in the short term but leading to long-term decreases, particularly in areas that are reliant on snowmelt. Groundwater systems are similarly affected; as precipitation patterns change and surface runoff increases, the natural recharge processes of groundwater may weaken, causing groundwater levels to decline. Additionally, due to rising sea levels, coastal regions may experience saltwater intrusion into both surface and groundwater systems, further affecting the availability of freshwater resources. Understanding these changes is crucial for managing water resources, mitigating natural disasters, and planning for sustainable development.

Therefore, we invite the submission of papers that provide new insights into the complex interactions between climate change and hydrological systems, including but not limited to the following:

• The impact of climate change on extreme hydrological events;
• The effects of changes in precipitation patterns on river flow;
• The impact of climate change on glacier and snow cover melting;
• The effects of rising temperatures on evaporation and evapotranspiration;
• Climate adaptation studies of groundwater systems;
• Analyses of the relationship between saltwater intrusion in coastal areas and climate change;
• Changes in storm surges and waves or improved prediction capabilities due to climate change;
• The impact of climate change on water quality;
• Water resource management strategies under climate change scenarios.

Dr. Wei-Che Huang
Prof. Dr. Wen Cheng Liu
Dr. Fong Zuo Lee
Guest Editors

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• climate change
• hydrology
• river
• glacier
• evaporation
• evapotranspiration
• groundwater
• ocean
• water quality
• water resource management