Hydrological sciences—society's needs

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Abstract
This review adopts the position that many practical problems in managing water systems can now be adequately dealt with because of the advances in hydrological sciences over the past few decades. Hydrologists can be proud of their achievements. If this is accepted, what is the future for hydrological sciences? It is contended that this future lies in two main directions. One is the application of existing hydrological knowledge and techniques to water problems of the developing world. Several examples are given based mainly on experience in WMO/Technical cooperation projects. The second is in expanding the agenda of hydrological research to embrace other closely related fields. These include the seeking of better understanding of (a) the role of vegetation in the hydrological cycle especially in semiarid regions, (b) the relationship between climatic systems and water resources and (c) environmental hydrology, the linking of hydrological issues with water and air quality.

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