Drought in the Anthropocene

In our human-modified era, the Anthropocene, hydrological drought is not only caused by natural processes (such as precipitation deficit), human influences should be included as additional driver. Our research focuses on the complex feedbacks between hydrological drought and human activities such as reservoir building, groundwater abstraction, and land use change. We are using data-based methods in case studies around the world to quantify the relative importance of these influences. This research is important in helping to improve our understanding of our impacts, can be used to improve global hydrological models and can help shape water resource management.

This research is done by Sally Rangecroft.

Project information & updates:

• Adding the human dimension to drought (funded by the Dutch Science Foundation, NWO)

Featured publications:

• Van Loon et al. (2016a) – Drought in the Anthropocene – Nature Geoscience
• Van Loon et al. (2016b) – Drought in a human-modified world: reframing drought definitions, understanding, and analysis approaches – Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
• Rangecroft et al. (2018b) – Using paired catchments to quantify the human influence on hydrological droughts – Hydrology and Earth System Sciences

International network:

• IAHS Panta Rhei working group “Drought in the Anthropocene”