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Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management

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A special issue of Water (ISSN 2073-4441). This special issue belongs to the section "Hydrology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2025) | Viewed by 11787

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mohamad Basel Al Sawaf

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Guest Editor

Kitami Institute of Technology, Kitami, Hokkaido, Japan
Interests: river; flow; hydrology; modeling; machine learning

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As Guest Editors of the Special Issue “Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management”, we welcome you to submit new research articles related to the investigation of hydrological and river systems. This Special Issue aims to explore the challenges and opportunities presented to rivers in the face of a shifting climate, evolving human demands, and an ever-changing landscape. Moreover, this Special Issue also aims to illuminate potential threats like intensifying floods, dwindling water resources, and ecosystem disruptions. In brief, this Special Issue strives to enhance the knowledge and foresight we require to safeguard these vital arteries of life, ensuring their continued health and resilience for generations to come. In addition, this Special Issue aspires to navigate the uncharted waters of the future, guiding us towards a world in which rivers continue to flow freely, nourishing life and sustaining our planet's delicate balance.

Dr. Mohamad Basel Al Sawaf
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

river modeling and prediction
climate change impacts
adaptation and flood mitigation

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 14196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Deep Learning and Geospatial Analysis in Soil Loss Risk in the Moulouya Watershed, Morocco

by Mohammed Hlal, Bilal El Monhim, Jérôme Chenal, Jean-Claude Baraka Munyaka, Rida Azmi, Abdelkader Sbai, Gary Cwick and Badr Ben Hichou

Water 2025, 17(9), 1351; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17091351 - 30 Apr 2025

Abstract

This study integrates deep learning and geospatial analysis to enhance soil loss estimation in the Moulouya Watershed, a region prone to erosion due to diverse topography and climatic conditions. Traditional models like the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and its revised version (RUSLE) often fall short in capturing complex environmental interactions, leading to inaccurate soil loss predictions. This research introduces a novel approach using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) combined with Geographic Information Systems (GISs) to improve the precision and spatial resolution of soil loss risk assessments. High-resolution satellite imagery, soil maps, and climatic data were processed to extract critical factors, such as slope, land cover, and rainfall erosivity, which were then fed into the CNN model. The findings revealed that the CNN model outperformed traditional methods, achieving a low Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 2.3 and an R-squared value of 0.92, significantly surpassing the USLE and RUSLE models. The resulting high-resolution soil loss maps identified high-risk erosion areas, particularly in the central and eastern regions of the watershed, with soil loss rates exceeding 40 tons/ha/year. These findings demonstrate the superior predictive capabilities of deep learning, offering valuable insights for targeted soil conservation strategies and highlighting the potential of advanced computational techniques to revolutionize environmental modeling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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25 pages, 7425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Resilient Water Infrastructure and Environmental Impact Assessment in Borderland River Basins

by Sérgio Lousada, José Manuel Naranjo Gómez, Silvia Vilčekova and Svitlana Delehan

Water 2025, 17(8), 1205; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17081205 - 17 Apr 2025

Viewed by 295

Abstract

Climate-induced hydrological risks and deteriorating infrastructure present major challenges for small river basins in border regions, particularly in non-EU countries with limited institutional capacity and funding. These issues are especially acute in post-socialist contexts, where outdated hydrotechnical systems no longer meet current environmental and safety standards. This study investigates the vulnerabilities of the Uzh River basin in Uzhhorod, Ukraine—a non-EU border city with strong ecological and institutional ties to neighboring EU regions—and proposes an adaptive river management model tailored to such environments. An integrated assessment of flood protection systems, sediment transport, drainage performance, and governance gaps was conducted to inform the proposed framework, which combines structural and ecosystem-based interventions with a focus on transboundary water governance. Unlike many existing approaches that lack mechanisms for localized implementation and cross-border coordination, this model offers a transferable, evidence-based methodology for enhancing flood resilience and hydrological sustainability in similar urban areas. The insights are relevant to border cities across Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and the South Caucasus, contributing to both engineering practice and regional policy by aligning hydrotechnical solutions with cooperative climate adaptation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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18 pages, 7485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flow Pattern and Turbulent Kinetic Energy Analysis Around Tandem Piers: Insights from k-ε Modelling and Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry Measurements

by Nima Ikani, Jaan H. Pu and Saba Soori

Water 2025, 17(7), 1100; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071100 - 7 Apr 2025

Viewed by 278

Abstract

This study investigated the distribution and dynamics of the Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) around a group of three tandem piers using a combination of numerical simulations and experimental measurements. The Volume of Fluid (VOF) method, coupled with the k-

ε

turbulence model, [...] Read more.

ε

turbulence model, was implemented in ANSYS FLUENT to replicate the free-surface flow conditions. An experimental validation was conducted using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry (ADV) to assess the model’s capability at capturing the turbulence characteristics. While the model effectively reproduced the near-bed turbulence, it consistently underestimated the TKE magnitudes across the flow domain, particularly in regions of strong vortex-induced turbulence. Discrepancies emerged in the confined regions between the piers, where the velocity profiles were overestimated at the surface and underestimated near the bed and mid-depth, impacting the TKE predictions. Despite these inconsistencies, the general pattern of the TKE distribution aligned with the experimental trends, though the absolute values remained underestimated due to the inherent limitations of the k-

ε

model. The model’s performance in less turbulent regions demonstrated improved accuracy, reinforcing its applicability for moderate turbulence simulations. To further examine the interaction between vortex structures and the TKE, velocity distributions were analyzed at three specific depths (z/h = 0.15, 0.4, and 0.62). The findings showed the critical role of vortex shedding in TKE generation and dissipation, with notable variations in the turbulence intensity influenced by structural confinement effects. This study offers a novel, high-resolution evaluation of the k-ε model’s ability to predict TKE distributions around tandem piers, using spatially detailed comparisons with the experimental data. Unlike previous studies that broadly acknowledged the model’s limitations, this work systematically identifies the specific regions, particularly vortex-dominated zones, where its predictive accuracy significantly degrades. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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33 pages, 19539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrological Dynamics of Raipur, Chhattisgarh in India: Surface–Groundwater Interaction Amidst Urbanization

by Dalchand Jhariya, Mayank Shrivastav, Rajendrakumar D. Deshpande and Virendra Padhya

Water 2025, 17(7), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17070930 - 22 Mar 2025

Viewed by 355

Abstract

The hydrological dynamics of Raipur are profoundly influenced by the intricate interplay between surface and groundwater systems, driven by changes in land use, climatic conditions, and human activities such as agriculture and industry. This research investigated the interdependencies between the Kharun River and groundwater systems, essential for understanding water security in the face of escalating demands and rapid urbanization. Through meticulous monitoring and analysis of approximately 70 bore wells, nine river sampling sites, and 13 groundwater samples from dug wells, alongside rigorous adherence to established sampling protocols, this study delved into the seasonal variations and influences on water quantity and quality. Statistical methodologies, stable isotope analyses, and Gibbs diagrams were employed to unravel the complexities governing water resource dynamics and interactions. Notably, correlation analysis revealed significant associations between various water quality parameters, indicating anthropogenic influences on groundwater chemistry. Cluster analysis aided in understanding hydro-chemical processes, while stable isotope examinations further elucidated the sources and interactions of groundwater and surface water. Results indicate the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies tailored to the region’s evolving socio-environmental landscape, considering escalating urbanization and agricultural activities. This integrated approach, combining analytical methods and statistical techniques, offers a holistic understanding of water resource dynamics essential for effective governance and sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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17 pages, 8546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Streamflow Measurements Using an Underwater Acoustic-Based Approach: A Case Study in a Shallow Narrow Silt-Bed River

by Mohamad Basel Al Sawaf, Akiyoshi Sasaki and Kazuya Inoue

Water 2025, 17(6), 831; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17060831 - 13 Mar 2025

Viewed by 305

Abstract

The recent improvements in streamflow measurement approaches have boosted the reliability and accuracy of river flow measurement. In this study, long-term measurements of river discharge in the Tokoro River, Japan, were conducted. The key objective of this work is to investigate the extent of river flow measurement in a very shallow and narrow silt stream using the fluvial acoustic tomography system (FAT). Despite the preliminary nature of the measurement results, the recorded data were subject to analysis from three different outlooks. First, examinations were performed under very shallow and high-water conditions. Second, examinations were performed using double acoustic frequency. Third, examinations were performed using multiple independent flow datasets. As a new achievement in terms of advanced monitoring capabilities, it was documented that the measurement by the FAT was possible even in extremely shallow conditions. However, the minimum water depth along the measured cross-section must be ≥9 cm. Moreover, the FAT system demonstrated its capability to monitor streamflow in high water levels. In addition, it was found that using high transmission frequency can provide shorter wavelengths, permitting better spatial resolution and higher velocity resolutions and hence desirable measurement accuracy. Nevertheless, measurements in the presence of high suspended sediment particles were lacking. Alternatively, a lower transmission frequency offers a longer wavelength, which might be less sensitive to small-scale variations and results in an imprecise degree of measurements. Nonetheless, measurements can be accomplished even during the mobilization of a high concentration of suspended sediment matters. Finally, using multiple independent streamflow measurement records, the results proved that the flow measured by the FAT system was in very good agreement with the records acquired using sophisticated measurement approaches such as HADCP and STIV with a very low range of uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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17 pages, 9449 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Changes in the Thermal and Ice Regime of the Biebrza River (Northeastern Poland) in the Era of Global Warming

by Mariusz Ptak, Salim Heddam, Soufiane Haddout, Mariusz Sojka and Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen

Water 2024, 16(22), 3211; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16223211 - 8 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 851

Abstract

In the context of ongoing environmental changes, particularly against the backdrop of global warming, significant attention is being given to areas of exceptional natural value that, in many aspects, retain a pristine character. One such area is the Biebrza River in northeastern Poland, which, together with the wetlands in its basin, forms one of the most valuable ecosystems of its kind in Europe. This study analyses the changes in the thermal and ice regime for two hydrological stations, Sztabin and Burzyn, in the period from 1959 to 2023. It was found that the average annual water temperature in this period for the Biebrza River increased by 0.28 °C/decade, and in the case of ice phenomena, statistically significant changes for both stations showed a decline, with an acceleration of the ice cover disappearance by an average of 3 days/decade. These recorded changes should be considered unfavourable, as they will affect the transformation of both the biotic and abiotic characteristics of the river itself, as well as the natural elements associated with it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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27 pages, 33588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Peri-Urban Floodscapes: Identifying and Analyzing Flood Risk Areas in North Bhubaneswar in Eastern India

by Priyanka Mishra, Damodar Jena, Rakesh Ranjan Thakur, Sasmita Chand, Babar Javed and Anoop Kumar Shukla

Water 2024, 16(21), 3019; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16213019 - 22 Oct 2024

Viewed by 2348

Abstract

Peri-urban catchment areas are increasingly susceptible to floods due to rapid land use transformations and unplanned urban expansion. This study comprehensively examines flood vulnerability in the rapidly developing peri-urban areas of North Bhubaneswar, focusing on significant changes in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and hydrological dynamics from 2004 to 2024, utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analysis reveals substantial shifts in land use patterns, with the urban footprint expanding by 71.8%, cropland decreasing by 21.7%, and forest areas by 13.6%. These changes have led to increased impervious surfaces, resulting in higher surface runoff and decreased groundwater recharge, thereby exacerbating flood risks in the region. The GRID-based vulnerability analysis classifies 90 villages within the catchment area based on their vulnerability levels, identifying 20 villages as high-risk areas requiring urgent attention, 44 villages as medium vulnerable, and 26 villages as low vulnerable. These classifications are based on factors such as proximity to drainage networks, slope, geomorphology, and LULC characteristics, with areas near drainage channels and low-lying regions being prone to flooding. The analysis integrates multiple factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of flood risk, highlighting the need for sustainable land use planning, conservation of vegetated areas, and the implementation of advanced flood prevention strategies in the peri-urban areas. Extending this research to other fringe regions could offer further valuable insights, guiding flood prevention and sustainable development strategies for areas undergoing significant land use transformations to effectively mitigate future flood risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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26 pages, 16641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Study of Flow and Turbulence Properties near the Rising Sector Gate Mouth Considering the Gate Opening with a PIV Measuring System

by Chang Geun Song, Sung Won Park and Jaehyun Shin

Water 2024, 16(20), 3004; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16203004 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1048

Abstract

Hydraulic structures, such as movable weir gates, are widely installed in rivers and streams for various purposes. Among these is the rising sector gate, which is the focus of this study. This research investigated how different gate openings affect flow velocity and turbulence distributions at the gate mouth. A hydraulic analysis of flow and turbulence characteristics near the mouth of a rising sector gate model was conducted through laboratory experiments with various flow conditions and gate openings utilizing a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system. Experimental tests were carried out with two gate-opening angles (30 and 45 degrees). The PIV measurements revealed significant variations in flow velocity and turbulence properties in response to the gate openings and flow conditions. Notably, in the vicinity of the gate mouth, where the flow regime changes rapidly between the upstream and downstream regions, the turbulence properties in the upstream part of the gate mouth were more than twice those in the downstream part. Additionally, the streamwise distribution of depth-averaged relative turbulence intensity was analyzed. The results showed that the depth-averaged relative turbulence intensity decreased by nearly half as the gate opening increased from 30 to 45 degrees, with the lowest values observed at the gate mouth, followed by an increase downstream. A functional relationship between the maximum flow velocity at the gate mouth during underflow operation and the Froude number was established to guide practical gate operation in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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Review

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30 pages, 2600 KiB

Open AccessReview

Selection, Planning, and Modelling of Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Mitigation

by James Griffiths, Karine E. Borne, Annette Semadeni-Davies and Chris C. Tanner

Water 2024, 16(19), 2802; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16192802 - 1 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5320

Abstract

The use of nature-based solutions (NBSs) for hazard mitigation is increasing. In this study, we review the use of NBSs for flood mitigation using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis framework for commonly used NBSs. Approaches reviewed include retention and detention systems, bioretention systems, landcover and soil management, river naturalisation and floodplain management, and constructed and natural wetlands. Existing tools for identification and quantification of direct benefits and co-benefits of NBSs are then reviewed. Finally, approaches to the modelling of NBSs are discussed, including the type of model and model parameterisation. After outlining knowledge gaps within the current literature and research, a roadmap for development, modelling, and implementation of NBSs is presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gaps: Hydrological Research for Sustainable River Management)

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