Download Ecosystems meets Hydrology – synergies and opportunities

Draft Paragraph
Ecology and hydrology are inextricably linked. In terms of science, water availability
and dynamics are important controls on the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems; hydrological system response depends on the structure and function of
ecosystems – which in the short term control evaporation, runoff and fluvial
processes, and in the long term influence landscape properties and functioning. In
terms of policy, the EU Water Framework Directive places ecological quality as a key
driver for water resources management, but the regulators are struggling to find a
meaningful interpretation.
Challenges such as climate change reinforce the need to explore the interface between
these disciplines, and complementary expertise provides the opportunity to address
important science questions. Earth system models require integration of the two, but
wider questions arise: How will climate change influence ecosystem function and
hence hydrological response to floods and droughts? How will hydrological function
under climate change affect ecosystem resilience? At the least there is a need for one
discipline to inform the other – more fruitfully, there is complementary experimental
and modelling expertise to be harnessed in new scientific endeavours.
Imperial has world class expertise and critical mass in both disciplines but only a
limited track record of collaboration.. A small workshop is proposed to discuss areas
of common interest and complementary expertise, define a potential collaborative
research agenda, and identify possible funding opportunities.