The WMO Vision and Strategy on Hydrology highlights the importance of understanding how Earth’s hydrological system responds to extreme conditions. In order to achieve this, one of the long-term goals related to water is to bridge the gap between research and operational hydrology applications. This goal aims to enhance the understanding of Earth system science and support operational hydrological predictions and modeling within an integrated Earth systems approach.
To achieve these objectives, scientific knowledge must be strengthened through fundamental research tailored to meet user needs through an applied research approach. The development of operational services should also be grounded in current knowledge of water resources and anticipated pressures.
The Global Energy and Water Exchanges (GEWEX) project, a part of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), is focused on comprehensively understanding Earth’s water cycle and energy fluxes both above and below the surface, as well as within the atmosphere. This project plays a crucial role in observing and modeling the hydrological cycle and energy fluxes.
Another initiative working towards advancements in understanding and predicting water-related processes is the World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) which is establishing a program known as integrated hydrology and precipitation (InPHRA).