Nordic contributions to stochastic methods in hydrology

Abstract

The paper presents prominent Nordic contributions to stochastic methods in hydrology and water resources during the previous 50 years. The development in methods from analysis of stationary and independent hydrological events to include non-stationarity, risk analysis, big data, operational research and climate change impacts is hereby demonstrated. The paper is divided into four main sections covering flood frequency and drought analyses, assessment of rainfall extremes, stochastic approaches to water resources management and approaches to climate change and adaptation efforts. It is intended as a review paper referring to a rich selection of internationally published papers authored by Nordic hydrologists or hydrologists from abroad working in a Nordic country or in cooperation with Nordic hydrologists. Emerging trends in needs and methodologies are highlighted in the conclusions. HIGHLIGHTS Historical development in use of stochastic methods.; From stationarity to climate change impacts.; From univariate to multivariate problems.; From local to regional problems.;

Keywords

• climate change impacts
• flood and drought frequency
• rainfall extremes
• water resources management