Popular Scientific Presentation

The hydrological research focuses on problems concerning quantity and quality of surface and ground waters and on water and energy exchange at the land/atmosphere interface. Hydrological modelling and statistical downscaling support fundamental research. In more applied studies, the aim is to provide decision support in water management.

Surface and ground water in the drainage basin
The drainage basin is a central concept in all hydrological, and many ecological, studies. Stream flow generation is governed by the landscape characteristics of the drainage basin, which also affect the biogeochemical processes governing water quality in surface waters as well as in soil and ground water. We study these processes by using e.g. tracer techniques. Water balance modelling is an important component in the quantification of runoff, which is the central issue for water provision and in problems of draught and flooding. Studies of the specific parts of and processes in the drainage basin are also carried out. Soil water and soil heat flows are modelled and we have a strong component of ground water modelling and modelling of solute transport.

Water pollution; environmental effects and measures
Water management is the collective term used for synthesising studies with the aim of maintaining a suitable aquatic environment and water resources for future generations. We have several project aiming at measures for remediation of surface and ground waters. We also study climate impacts on the water systems. In these projects, the drainage basin is also the focal point and generic unity.

Exchange of energy and mass (water and carbon dioxide) between atmosphere and land surface
The understanding of the climate system and its hydrological and meteorological processes is an important prerequisite for forecasting of climate change effects on our water resources. The exchange of energy, water vapour, and carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the land surface are basic in this system and is studied in situ for both forest and agricultural lands.