Discharge of large Asian rivers – Observations and projections

Many regional vulnerabilities in Asia are related to freshwater resources, whose major part comes from large rivers, with sources in high mountains. Hence, understanding of observed and projected changes in river discharge is of utmost importance. In the present contribution, results of studies devoted to observations (hydrological networks) and model-based projections of discharge in large rivers in Asia are presented. Even if changes in some observation records can be detected, their attribution is not easy, because the process of river discharge results from multiple factors. Hence, climatic background (observed and modelled changes in precipitation, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, snow cover and glaciers), and non-climatic factors (demography, socio-economy, withdrawals) play a role. Changes in river discharge extremes (high and low flows) are particularly important. Changes in discharges of large Asian rivers are of primary concern to the pursuit of sustainable development in the region.