Watershed challenges for the 21st Century: A global perspective for mountainous terrain

Abstract

Three global challenges for watershed researchers in the 21st century are examined in this paper. These challenges are obtaining better assessments of terrain stability; understanding hydrologic responses at different watershed scales; and developing better methods for analyzing and assessing cumulative watershed effects. These topics are only a subset of the pressing issues facing watershed management in the coming century. However, they are important examples in the continuum from contributing processes (landslides), driving mechanisms (hydrologic response), and integrated watershed behavior (cumulative watershed effects). Emphasis will be placed on examples and needs in steep forested watersheds in considering these challenges.

Parent Publication

• Land Stewardship in the 21st Century: The Contributions of Watershed Management; 2000 March 13-16; Tucson, AZ

Citation

Sidle, Roy C. 2000. Watershed challenges for the 21st Century: A global perspective for mountainous terrain. In: Ffolliott, Peter F.; Baker Jr., Malchus B.; Edminster, Carleton B.; Dillon, Madelyn C.; Mora, Karen L., tech. coords. Land Stewardship in the 21st Century: The Contributions of Watershed Management; 2000 March 13-16; Tucson, AZ. Proc. RMRS-P-13. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 45-56.