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

2. 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

3. 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  

4. Global Water Project System IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas

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

6. 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?

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

8. 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

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

10. Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas

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

12. 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?

13. Global Water System Project IGBP – IHDP – WCRP - Diversitas
References:
Scoping Document:
Draft Scientific Framework:
Open Science Conference: