Assessment of vulnerability of water resources to climate change: Ecohydrological implications

In this paper, the authors discusses the plausible impacts of climate changes on water resources with emphasis on ecohydrological implications. For this purpose, vulnerability of water resources to climate change was discussed. Available evidences indicate that regional changes in climate, particularly increases in temperature, have already affected a diverse set of physical and biological systems in many parts of the world. Based on the fact that water resources are an integral part of the global hydrologic cycle, they are considered among the most vulnerable natural systems to climate changes. Research since 1996 indicate that severe problems related to water will affect the globe around 2025 which will be intensifying to attain its peak by the year 2100. Undeveloped/developing countries where semi-arid climate prevails and whose water resources are not properly developed will be affected most severely from climate changes. An accurate impact assessment first necessitates analyses of parameters for their vulnerability to climate change for each system. This is achieved by construction of a conceptual hydrogeological model which is then transferred to mathematical model of the water resources system.