modelling

Modelling approaches enable the complex processes and dynamics of aquatic systems to be evaluated with no disturbance to the natural system. As a result models can provide a powerful tool to evaluate both scientific and management questions by understanding how:

• hydrology, water chemistry and ecology interact within a water body
• pollutants are transported through the natural environment
• processes control the behaviour of aquatic systems

Models are used extensively to assess management problems and these can include:

• water resource management including flooding, droughts, and water supply
• water quality issues including identification of the nature and origins of pollution
• management to meet ecological targets designated under the EU Water Framework Directive
• systems response to increasing external pressures including land use, climate and social change

HYDRA members have developed models to simulate the hydrogeological function of groundwater aquifers, groundwater geochemistry, river hydrochemistry, river and lake ecology, systems response to environmental change, including past and future conditions under land use and climate change, and economic modelling to underpin water management policy and governance. Model uncertainty is addressed using a range of techniques, so that policy advice is provided with risks of uncertainty properly identified.

Details on staff with expertise in this field can be found in the directory of expertise or by contacting the champion for this discipline Professor Paul Whitehead.

Back to expertise home page.