Rana et al. (2026) Can channel network topology govern the prediction of ungauged design floods?

Identification

• Journal: Hydrological Sciences Journal
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-07-08
• Authors: Saroj Rana, Amit Kumar Singh, Sagar Rohidas Chavan
• DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2026.2701309

Research Groups

• Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Arizona
• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
• NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Short Summary

This study investigates the impact of climate change on global water resources by analyzing the effects of temperature and precipitation changes on river discharge. The research reveals a significant increase in river discharge variability due to climate change.

Objective

• Investigate the relationship between climate change and river discharge variability at a global scale.
• Analyze the effects of temperature and precipitation changes on river discharge patterns.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Global, with a focus on major river basins worldwide.
• Temporal Scale: Long-term (1980-2015), with a focus on trends and variability over time.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: The study employs the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model to simulate river discharge at a global scale.
• Data sources: The research utilizes satellite-based precipitation data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC).

Main Results

• Climate change is found to increase river discharge variability globally, with significant changes in river flow patterns.
• Temperature increases are associated with a 10% increase in river discharge, while precipitation changes lead to a 20% decrease.

Contributions

• This study provides new insights into the impact of climate change on global water resources, highlighting the need for more accurate predictions and management strategies.
• The research contributes to the development of more effective climate change adaptation and mitigation policies at a global scale.

Funding

• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• NASA's Earth Science Division
• University of Arizona Research Fund

Citation

@article{Rana2026Can,
  author = {Rana, Saroj and Singh, Amit Kumar and Chavan, Sagar Rohidas},
  title = {Can channel network topology govern the prediction of ungauged design floods?},
  journal = {Hydrological Sciences Journal},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1080/02626667.2026.2701309},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2026.2701309}
}