The Global Water System Project (GWSP) Summary of Current Status Dennis P. Lettenmaier for GEWEX Hydrometeorology Panel Luneburg, Germany September 25, 2003

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Definition: The Global Water System (GWS) is defined as the suite of physical, chemical, biological, and human components [of the global water cycle] and their interactions Rational: Humans have begun to affect the Global Water System significantly without adequate understanding of how the system works Mission: Improve knowledge of, and responsible interaction with, the Global Water System e.g. global observation consolidation of global data sets predictive and coupled modelling

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Central Tenet: Human-induced changes to the Global Water System are now globally significant and are being modified without adequate understanding of how the system works  

Global Water Project System IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas global signature of changing water cycle ?

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Science questions   I. What are the magnitudes of anthropogenic and environmental changes in the Global Water System and what are the key mechanisms by which they are induced? What are the main linkages and feedbacks within the Earth system arising from a changing Global Water System? How resilient and adaptable is the Global Water System to change, and what are sustainable management strategies?

IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Joint Water Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Building blocks from the GEC programmes:

Global assessment of water scarcity Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Global assessment of water scarcity Crisis of Global Water Resources in 2025: Climate or Population Growth Vörösmarty, 2000

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Human modification of hydrological systems

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Riverine carbon fluxes Ludwig 1996

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas Scoping team meetings: January, 2002 Reading (initial meeting) May, 2002 Paris (Scoping document finalized) January 2003, Bethesda MD (Scientific framework initialized) March 2003, Kyoto May 2003, Amsterdam October 2003, Portsmouth, NH (Open Science Conference) Scoping team: WCRP (2), IGBP (2), IHDP (2), Diversitas (1) Post-OSC Scientific Framework to be finalized Chairs and Directors to appoint SSG?

Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas References: Scoping Document: http://www.gwsp.org/ Draft Scientific Framework: http://www.gwsp.org/ Open Science Conference: http://gwsposc.sr.unh.edu/