Drought in mountain regions

Mountain regions, often referred to as the “water towers” of the world, play a critical role in providing freshwater resources for ecosystems and human communities downstream. However, these areas are increasingly impacted by meteorological droughts, driven by climate change and complex interactions between temperature, precipitation patterns, and cryospheric changes. This session will bring together experts in hydrology, climatology, and cryosphere science to discuss the unique impacts of drought in mountain regions, examining shifts in water availability, ecosystem health, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities. In particular, we encourage contributions that

1. explore case studies of drought impacts in various mountain ranges


2. investigate up-downstream linkages and propagation processes


3. discuss challenges in predicting and monitoring drought, and


4. evaluate adaptation strategies for enhancing resilience.

By fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, this session aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of drought occurrence, resilience and changes in high-altitude ecosystems.