Isotope Hydrology Section
Joint International Isotopes in Hydrology Programme (JIIHP) is a collaborative project between the IAEA and UNESCO. An Memorandum of Understanding for the operation of JIIHP was signed on 2 June 2002 in Paris by the two UN organizations (photo).
Objectives
The aim of the JIIHP is to facilitate the integration of isotopes in hydrologic practices through:
- Develop ing tools for better understanding specific hydrological processes and improving assessment, development and management of water resources;
- Support ing national, regional and international programs in water resources using isotopes techniques;
- Incorporat ing isotope hydrology as part of hydrologic curricula in universities worldwide;
- Integrating isotopic data in hydrological databases at national, regional and global scales.
Scope
It is expected that this International Programme will cover scientific, practical and educational aspects of relevant hydrolog ical and water resource studies and will improve implementation and coordination of hydrological programs of UNESCO, WMO, IAEA and other international government or non-governmental organizations.
JIIHP will address both qualitative and quantitative aspects and interface processes of:
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Surface water (rivers, reservoirs, lakes, snow and ice), including flow dynamics, erosion, sediment transport and sedimentation, pollution;
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Groundwater (saturated and unsaturated zones), including assessment and quantification of natural and artificial recharge, origin and dynamics of groundwater, vulnerability and pollution of aquifers.
The programme will also address aspects relative to:
- Climate variability and related atmospheric studies;
- Man made changes and anthropogenic impacts and their consequences on water resources.
Structure of JIIHP
Please click here to view the organizational chart.
Upcoming Events1. Second Meeting of the JIIHP Steering Committee
The meeting will be held on 20-21 September 2004 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. One of the main points that will be discussed at the meeting is the upcoming Strategic Activities Plan for 2004 to 2006. A draft agenda for the meeting has been sent out to invited participants.
