What we do

Applying high-performance computing, we develop climate information and services valid for water management to support the future decision-making of the water sector. Climate predictions of precipitation and temperature are used to estimate the water volumes stored in reservoirs and available in the river basins. This information can be used to define the distribution of water resources and to help identify risks and opportunities for the different stakeholders that depend on water availability, as well as to determine strategies to adapt to climate change.

Storms, heat waves, floods, and droughts are becoming more frequent, a trend projected to continue due to climate change. Since the water sector is susceptible to extreme weather events, climate changes, and the hydrological cycle, understanding the impact of these events is crucial because of the adverse effects they can have on the ecosystem services that water resources provide. In particular, the provision of safe water for drinking and irrigation, recreational use, and economic benefits such as fisheries and tourism.