Sustainability of Water Resources in Semi-Arid Regions

能否持续获得充足的水，关键取决于我们在多变和不确定的气候下管理水资源系统的能力。半干旱地区尤其危险，因为它们正在经历快速的人口增长和经济发展。它们对不断增加的人为压力、气候变化以及与长期气候变化相关的破坏高度敏感。目前的制度缺乏一种有效的机制，无法迅速将科学知识转化为公共机构的广泛使用，并支持负责管理我们水资源的私营公司。该中心正在通过以下方式弥合这一差距：1)监测关键水文问题的管理问题，2)及时确定可以有效解决的问题，3)协调和整合多学科和机构所需的研究，4)开发成熟的技术和想法，5)集中和投入资源，以加快可行的技术和教育干预。中心的科学重点是以下方面的创新研究：1)水文变量的时空特性，2)控制流域水和化学平衡的过程，3)河岸系统的功能，4)流域尺度过程的综合建模，5)通过将技术转让作为中心日常运作的一个组成部分，在水资源管理的各个领域促进研究人员与用户的伙伴关系。教育举措在该中心备受瞩目，并通过将水资源问题置于16岁至16岁儿童科学教育的前沿并促进公众的水文学素养来促进可持续性。该中心正在教育新一代水资源专业人员，使他们掌握实施可持续水资源管理所需的跨学科观点和技术技能。

9876800SorooshianThe continuing availability of adequate water depends critically on our ability to manage water resources systems under a variable and uncertain climate. Semi-arid regions are in particular jeopardy as they are experiencing rapid population growth and economic development. They are highly sensitive to increasing anthropogenic pressures, variations in climate, and disruptions associated with long-term climate change. The current system lacks an effective mechanism for rapidly moving the state of scientific knowledge into widespread usage by the public agencies and supporting private firms responsible for managing our water resources. The Center is bridging this gap by: 1) monitoring management problems for critical hydrologic issues, 2) identifying issues that can be effectively addressed in a timely fashion, 3) coordinating and integrating needed studies over multiple disciplines and institutions, 4) developing ripening technologies and ideas, and 5) focusing and committing resources to expedite viable technological and educational interventions.The Center's scientific focus is on innovative research on 1) spatial and temporal properties of hydrologic variables, 2) processes controlling water and chemical balances in catchments, 3) functioning of riparian systems, 4) integrated modeling of catchment-scale processes, and 5) promoting researcher-user partnerships across the breadth of water resources management through technology transfer as an integral part of the day-to-day operation of the Center. Educational initiatives have a high profile in the Center and contribute to sustainability by bringing water resources issues to the forefront of science education in K-16 and promoting hydrologic literacy among the public. The Center is educating a new generation of water resources professionals in the interdisciplinary perspective and technological skills required for practicing sustainable water resources management.