Research Area

Theme a: Marine and fluvial systems

This theme deals with large surface waters such as rivers, coast and seas in relation with their direct environment. The research aims to support management of these water systems by qualitative and quantitative forecasting of the effects of measures and other forms of human intervention. To this end we aim to improve the understanding of these systems and modelling the natural processes that occur. Typical examples are sand mining, construction of offshore wind farms, coastal dune developments. Next to these, also research to find out what is needed to base firm decisions and what uncertainties are allowed. Special attention is paid to biogeomorphology, roughness modelling, sediment dynamics and physical effects of human intervention.

Theme b: Water management

Problems of flooding, water scarcity and pollution cannot be understood independently from soil and land use, spatial planning, climate change, economic production, population growth and environmental policy. Wise use of water systems and human development are intricately interwoven. Management of water therefore requires a comprehensive approach that balances criteria such as efficiency, equity, sustainability and security.

Systems analysis and modeling

We use systems analysis as a tool to address the interactions between natural processes, the relations within actor networks and, most challenging, the complexity of interrelations between natural and social processes. Where necessary, we develop and apply modeling techniques such as system dynamic simulation, agent based modeling, fuzzy set theory and geographical information systems.

Policy analysis and integrated assessment

We conceive water governance as the result of an interaction between a multitude of governmental and non-governmental actors. The analysis underlying decision-making processes in actor networks should account for a range of perspectives on what are the actual problems, goals, and key processes. We develop and apply innovative concepts and new types of decision support systems that can support policy analysis under conditions of a variety of interests, perceptions, uncertainties and risks.

Theme c: Water and earth observations

Reliable estimates of the water cycle components (precipitation, evaporation/transpiration, soil moisture, groundwater, discharge, water vapour, snow/permafrost, water use, etc.) are essential as input for decision making in water management. Anticipated climate change will add more uncertainties to the daunting task of water resource management in addition to increasing water demand as results of population growth and social-economic changes. This especially is relevant for developing countries due to the frequent lack of in-situ data. The research theme Water Cycle and Climate addresses the question how the dynamic behaviour of the main components of the water cycle can be quantified and predicted using earth observation techniques (including satellite observation and field measurements) in combination with numerical modelling and data assimilation. The theme aims at the advancement of our understanding of the physics of water and energy cycles and their interactions with climate, ecosystem and human activities. Quantitative knowledge about the different components of the water cycle is critical for better water resources management and for the study of climate change and impacts on water resources (e.g. floods, droughts, water use and water quality).

Theme d: Water governance

The governance of complex water challenges re-entered the political agenda rapidly due to elevated problem pressure, raised ambitions and limited resources. Water challenges have now to be addressed in a setting which is characterized by complexity, dependency, uncertainty and dispersed ownership-, user- and management-rights. The research aims to support to problem solving capacity in society by identifying the characteristics of smarter water governance institutions and smarter water governance strategies. The characteristics of governance institutions and strategies will be assessed in societal settings and linked to concrete loci and ambitions of water policy. The aim is to learn about the potential to raise effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy. The research questions of this water governance theme focus upon the analysis of long-term transition of water governance systems towards more sustainable water management solutions; upon the analysis of the role of hierarchy, upon the roles of markets and forms of public-private partnership as coordinating mechanisms; upon the assessment of complex multi-level, multi-actor, multi resource and multi instrument settings of problem handling; upon assessment of the strategies for adaptive governance of water challenges by linking the water policy sector, involved scales and timeframes to other previously independent sectors, scales and timeframes.