Hydrology research at SMHI

The SMHI has a long tradition in operational hydrological modelling of river runoff. Existing applications cover aspects like runoff forecasting, spillway design, hydrochemical modelling and fire danger forecasts.

The main tool is the conceptual HBV-model, originally developed at the SMHI in the 1970s. At present model development is focused on applications for climate change effect studies and non point source pollution. Related projects involve validation of internal model variables like evapotranspiration and snow cover. There is also an ongoing need for improved runoff forecasts. Several of the projects are carried out in co-operation with other research groups on a national as well as an international level.

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Successful start for Hydrological Open Source Community

The HYPE Open Source Community is now open to anyone interested in hydrology, for cooperative code development. The community was successfully launched recently.
Successful start for HYPE Open Source Community 

Vizualisation of future climate and consequences for cities

Image Elumenati.

A new production with visualization technology presents future climate and consequences for cities. Presentations of Urban Water Vision will be held in a Geodome at Stockholm Water Week.
Visualization of climate change and challenges for city planning

Climate change affects groundwater

By the end of the century parts of Sweden will have higher groundwater levels, while levels in the south-east of the country may decrease sharply.
Climate change affects groundwater

Scientific comparison of water quality models

Scientific comparison of water quality models
A unique scientific comparison of hydrological models to assess water quality is being carried out. The primary aim of the international study is to increase knowledge on uncertainties in model-based decision support.
Scientific comparison of water quality models
   

Climate change a threat to sewage systems

Climate change a threat to sewage systems
Many cities could face problems with their sewage in the future. A research study for Stockholm shows that a change in precipitation, combined with a population increase, could bring disruptions as early as the middle of the century.
Climate change a threat to sewage systems
  

Workshop on snow modelling

The workshop was arranged at SMHI in January and started with a number of interesting presentations the first day. The second day the discussions were summerised in a white paper on snow modelling. The workshop saw participants from Sweden, Norway and France.
Documentation and information about the workshop

New service for European waters

Brand new opportunities for analysing water issues in Europe are now opening up thanks to a web service developed by SMHI. High-resolution information about water flows can be downloaded free of charge.
E-HypeWeb

New research into water flows in a changed climate

Forsande vatten

How can climate change affect water flows, flooding and the transfer of nutrients via water? A far-reaching research project is set to develop a new generation of tools for hydrological climate impact. 

New research into water flows in a changed climate

International Review commend Swedish tools for water quantity and water quality assessment

A new calculation system for the Swedish water management recently received good grades in a scientific evaluation. The international panel of experts highlighted the tools that can serve as a model for other EU countries.

REVIEW OF THE SWEDISH NATIONAL MODELLING SYSTEM (76 kB, pdf)

New climate tools for cities in Europe

Båt i kanal i stad

City planners can access unique tools for adaptation to climate change. An extensive European partnership project will gradually offer help along the way. With new tools, city planners, for instance, will be able to create their own scenarios and case studies as the basis for making decisions on action to be taken. In many towns, there are already periodically huge problems with flooding. Climate change may make the situation even more extreme in the future.

New climate tools for cities in Europe

Spring flood increases phosphorus discharges

högt flöde

The discharge of phosphorus is an important part of the puzzle for reducing eutrophication in lakes and seas. Phosphorus levels can increase significantly in connection with the spring flood. More measurements will improve knowledge.

Increased phosphorus discharges during spring flood

South Africa in a warmer climate

Warmer and drier, as well as heavier rainfall. South Africa is one of the regions that will be affected the most by climate change. A new research report shows how the climate will change and how various areas of society can adapt to the new conditions.

South Africa in a warmer climate

HYPE - a new hydrological model

The next generation hydrological model is under development and will successively be put into use. The model HYPE - HYdrological Predictions for the Environment - improves the estimation of factors connected to water resources and quality and allows the results to be presented with a very high level of geographical detail.

Read more about HYPE
Example of subbasins and classes in a catchment, as described in HYPE.
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Responsible for this page Kristina Isberg
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Last updated 18 November 2011
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