Research developments in the hydrological sciences in Canada (1995-1998): surface water - quantity, quality and ecology

Canadian research contributions to quantity, quality and ecology of surface waters during 1995-1998 (182 items) are summarized under six headings: understanding the pristine hydrological system (49); climate variability and hydrological systems (23); streamflow data, modelling and simulation (23); regional, international and flood hydrology (31); land use effects on the hydrological system (35); and sustainability of hydrological systems (21). The most encouraging developments have occurred in increased understanding of the inter-connectedness of components of the hydrological cycle and, especially, of the links between biosphere and hydrosphere. Canadian hydrologists also have played a significant role in global environmental change research and in applied development research. The most discouraging development has been the collapse of the national water monitoring programme and the decay of integrated experimental research areas. The overall impression is that hydrology in Canada is a maturing discipline; the physical, chemical and biological components are becoming less isolated; and anthropogenic impacts on surface water are more frequently considered to fall within the purview of hydrological science. The role of hydrology in relation to sustainability is increasingly actively debated. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.