Climate projections indicate that extreme events such as dry periods or floods will increase in frequency and intensity. These climatic changes will result in long-term changes in relevant variables of the water balance. However, detailed studies on the sensitivity of the hydrological system are currently missing for many regions in Germany.
Weather extremes can have major impacts on:
- Runoff dynamics
- Sediment transport
- soil and water balance
- ecological functioning of
- surface waters
- water supply
- economic performance
Hydrological-climatic stress periods lead to shifts between water demands and supply and to conflicts in the distribution of available water. Adaptation of water use to climate change can only be successful if all competing sectors develop adaptation strategies. Water use is prioritized on a temporary basis, risk management is established and options for action are elaborated.
