River flow (no further updates)

Description

Available studies suggest that run-off in near-natural rivers during the period 1963–2000 increased in western and northern Europe, in particular in winter, and decreased in southern and parts of eastern Europe, in particular in summer. However, comprehensive observation data on river flows are not available across Europe.
Long-term trends in river flows due to climate change are difficult to detect because of substantial interannual and decadal variability, as well as modifications to natural water flows arising from water abstractions, morphological changes (such as man-made reservoirs) and land-use changes.
Climate change is projected to result in significant changes in the seasonality of river flows across Europe. Summer flows are projected to decrease in most of Europe, including in regions where annual flows are projected to increase. Where precipitation shifts from snow to rain, spring and summer peak flow will shift to earlier in the season.

Reference information

Websites:

https://www.eea.europa.eu/ds_resolveuid/IND-103-en

Source:

EEA

Published in Climate-ADAPT: Jun 7, 2016

Date of publication:

2017

Keywords:

assessment, long-term trend, projection, seasonality, water availability

Climate impacts:

Droughts, Flooding, Water Scarcity

Adaptation Approaches:

Climate services, Adaptation Measures and Actions, Observations and Scenarios

Sectors:

Agriculture, Biodiversity, Buildings, Disaster Risk Reduction, Energy, Forestry, Transport, Urban, Water management

Geographic characterisation:

Europe

Macro-Transnational region:

Adriatic-Ionian, Alpine Space, Atlantic Area, Baltic Sea, Central Europe, Danube Area, Mediterranean (Euro-Med), North West Europe, North Sea, Northern Periphery and Arctic, South West Europe, Black Sea Basin (NEXT), Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT)