Linking Hydrological Function and Landscape Dynamics

Dear Colleagues,

Linking hydrological function and landscape dynamics is vital in understanding the complex interactions between the physical and biological processes that control the flow and storage of water in landscapes. Landscapes are constantly evolving, and this evolution is driven by a variety of factors, including climate, geology, vegetation, and human activity. Hydrological processes, such as precipitation, infiltration, runoff, and evapotranspiration, are also constantly changing in response to landscape dynamics. Researchers use a variety of methods to study these interactions, including field observations, remote sensing, and modeling which help to improve our understanding of how landscapes regulate the flow of water, how human activities can alter hydrological processes, and how to manage landscapes to protect water resources.

The study of the linkages can also provide valuable insights into the potential strategies for managing and conserving water resources and preserving natural ecosystems, such as wetlands and forests, which play a crucial role in regulating water flow and enhancing water quality. In addition, it provides significance in maintaining sustainable land management practices to mitigate the adverse effects of land use changes and climate change on hydrological processes. It is also helpful to understand how alterations in the landscape affect water movement, storage, and quality, ultimately influencing the hydrological processes in the context of global warming. It emphasizes the need to consider various factors such as land use, land cover, topography, and climate when analyzing the hydrological behavior of a landscape. By understanding how hydrological function and landscape dynamics are linked, we can better manage landscapes to protect water resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts that link the following themes:

Hydrological processes: This includes the study of water balance, infiltration, evapotranspiration, runoff generation, and streamflow dynamics processes which are crucial for linking hydrological function and landscape dynamics.

Climate change and hydrological response: With climate change affecting hydrological patterns, this thematic area investigates the impacts of climate change on hydrological function and landscape dynamics by encompassing the assessment of changing precipitation patterns, alterations in streamflow regimes, and shifts in vegetation dynamics.

Land cover change and hydrological function: This area examines the relationship between land cover change and hydrological function. It includes the study of deforestation, urbanization, agricultural expansion, and their impacts on water availability, infiltration rates, and runoff generation.

Ecosystem services and hydrological function: Exploring the role of hydrological function in supporting ecosystem services including the assessment of water provision, regulation of water flows, nutrient cycling, and habitat maintenance, and how they contribute to landscape dynamics is also an essential point of study.

Watershed management: This area focuses on the management and conservation of watersheds to maintain or enhance hydrological function and landscape dynamics. It includes the implementation of best management practices, land use planning, soil conservation, and water quality management.

Resilience and adaptive management: This area focuses on enhancing the resilience of hydrological systems and landscape dynamics to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. It encompasses the development of adaptive management strategies, restoration techniques, and planning approaches to maintain or improve hydrological function.

Geomorphology and hydrological connectivity: This thematic area explores the linkages between geomorphology and hydrological function. It includes studying how landscape features, such as topography, soil composition, and river channels, influence hydrological connectivity, sediment transport, and ecological processes.

Remote sensing and modeling: This area utilizes remote sensing techniques, methods, frameworks, tools, and hydrological modeling approaches to investigate the link between hydrological function and landscape dynamics. It includes the use of satellite imagery, LiDAR data, and hydrological models to assess water movement, vegetation dynamics, and landscape changes.

Socio-economic implications: This area investigates the socio-economic implications of linking hydrological function and landscape dynamics. It includes understanding the economic value of ecosystem services, the impacts of water scarcity on local communities, and the role of governance structures in managing water resources sustainably.

Stakeholder engagement and decision-making: Recognizing the importance of involving stakeholders in decision-making processes related to hydrological function and landscape dynamics focusing on participatory approaches. It includes engaging with local communities, policymakers, and land managers to consider their perspectives and values in managing water resources and landscapes.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Dr. Tesfay Gebretsadkan Gebremicael
Dr. Gebremedhin Gebremeskel Haile
Dr. Helen Poulos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• hydrological processes
• landscape dynamics
• climate change
• land use change
• vegetation
• topography
• soil
• watershed management
• land degradation
• drainage patterns
• ecological connectivity
• ecosystem services