Deadline Date: 31 December 2026
Abstract
Water resources development projects are increasingly challenged by climate variability, rapid urbanization, and intensifying hydro-meteorological extremes. In this evolving context, numerical and analytical methods have become fundamental tools for the design, assessment, and management of complex water systems. Advances in computational hydraulics, hydrological modelling, and data-driven techniques have significantly improved predictive capabilities, enabling more reliable and efficient engineering solutions.
This special issue aims to consolidate recent developments in numerical and analytical approaches applied to water resources engineering. Contributions are invited in areas including hydrodynamic and hydrological modelling, sediment transport, river morphology, flood forecasting, and real-time data-driven systems. Emphasis will be placed on model integration, uncertainty quantification, hybrid modelling approaches, and multi-scale simulations.
In addition to technical innovations, the issue encourages submissions that demonstrate how modelling frameworks support sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, and policy-oriented decision-making. The special issue seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical advancements and practical implementation in water resources development projects worldwide.
Importance and Timeliness
The increasing occurrence of extreme hydrological events, coupled with anthropogenic pressures on water systems, demands advanced analytical frameworks for planning and management. Numerical modelling tools such as HEC-RAS, MIKE+, Delft 3D, and SWAT+ have evolved into integrated platforms capable of simulating complex interactions across hydrological and hydraulic domains.
Recent trends indicate a shift toward hybrid modelling approaches that combine physics-based methods with machine learning and data assimilation techniques. Additionally, real-time data acquisition systems (RTDAS), remote sensing, and high-performance computing have enhanced the accuracy and scalability of modelling applications.
There is also a growing emphasis on sustainability and resilience in water infrastructure design. Numerical models are now central to scenario analysis, risk assessment, and climate adaptation planning. This special issue is therefore timely in capturing emerging methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches that are shaping the future of water resources engineering.
Scope and Sub-Themes
The special issue welcomes high-quality contributions in the following areas:
Hydrodynamic and hydraulic modelling (1D/2D/3D frameworks)
Hydrological modelling and climate change impact assessment
River morphology, sediment transport, and erosion modelling
Flood forecasting, inundation modelling, and early warning systems
Coupled hydrological–hydraulic modelling approaches
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) applications in water systems
Integration of machine learning and AI in water resources modelling
Uncertainty, sensitivity, and calibration techniques
Remote sensing and GIS-based modelling frameworks
Optimization and decision-support systems
Sustainable water resources planning and management
Case studies on large-scale water infrastructure projects
Policy-relevant modelling and climate adaptation strategies