Sustainability of Water Resources in Semi-Arid Regions

9876800 Sorooshian充足的水资源的持续供应主要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，因为它们正经历着迅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非常敏感。 目前的制度缺乏一个有效的机制，使科学知识迅速为公共机构广泛使用，并支持负责管理我们水资源的私营公司。 本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）确定可以及时有效解决的问题，3）协调和整合多学科和机构的必要研究，4）开发成熟的技术和想法，以及5）集中和投入资源，以加快可行的技术和教育干预。该中心的科学重点是创新研究1）水文变量的空间和时间特性，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，以及5）通过技术转让作为中心日常运作的一个组成部分，促进研究人员-用户在水资源管理领域的伙伴关系。 教育活动在该中心具有很高的知名度，并通过将水资源问题带到K-16科学教育的最前沿并促进公众的水文素养来促进可持续发展。 该中心正在教育新一代的水资源专业人员在实践可持续水资源管理所需的跨学科的角度和技术技能。

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.