Hydrological processes at the plot, hillslope and small catchment scale control runoff generation and the export of solutes and particulate matter.

Probably, flood risk will increase further, due to climate and global change.

Climate change, changes of land use and of land surface properties, and the human use of water resources have a massive impact on the water cycle.

Hydrological extremes, i.e. floods and droughts, are globally important natural hazards.