Climate Change Impacts on Hydrology and Water Resources Systems

Abstract

Climate change is significantly altering hydrological cycles and water resources systems across the world. Rising global temperature, shifting precipitation pattern, glacier retreat and extreme events are impacting surface and groundwater availability, quality and distribution. This review paper examines the major climate change drivers affecting hydrology such as temperature increase, rainfall variability, evapotranspiration shifts and cryosphere changes. It also discusses impacts on river basins, groundwater recharge, floods, droughts and water quality. Regional vulnerability in developing countries, especially semi-arid regions, is highlighted. Adaptation strategies including integrated water resources management, climate-resilient infrastructure, watershed restoration and policy frameworks are reviewed. The paper shows that climate change is not only changing magnitude of water availability but also timing and reliability, which complicates water management. Understanding hydro-climatic linkages is essential for sustainable water planning and risk reduction in future climate uncertain scenarios.

 KEYWORDS: Climate change, hydrology, water resources, precipitation variability, drought, floods, groundwater recharge, water management