Hydrometeorological Extremes: Monitoring, UAV & AI, NBS in Changing Landscapes

The Research Group of Hydrology at Faculty of Science focuses on hydrometeorological extremes, fluvial dynamics and landscape-extreme event interactions . We combine long-term empirical data, advanced monitoring technologies, and integrated physical and data-driven modeling to address floods, droughts, and climate-driven landscape change.

Our core expertise

Changing dynamics of floods and droughts under climate warming, land-use change, and forest disturbance

Flood risk assessment and nature-based solutions for mitigation

Fluvial dynamics and geomorphic response of mountain streams

Landscape–extreme event interactions and retention capacity of catchments

Methods & technologies

Dense hydrometeorological sensor networks (10-minute resolution, ~60 stations)

Field and experimental hydrology (runoff processes, isotopes, hydrochemistry)

UAV-based monitoring of floods, fluvial morphology, and floodplain dynamics

Rainfall–runoff and hydrodynamic modeling (HBV, MIKE-SHE)

Hybrid modeling combining physics-based approaches with machine learning

RFID-based bedload transport monitoring and optical granulometry

Unique added value for consortia

Well-instrumented natural laboratories in montane headwaters and regional basins

Rapid post-event deployment after extreme floods

Integration of field data, UAV observations, and modeling in non-stationary conditions

Long-term datasets (>60 years) for trend analysis and validation

Strong experience in international collaboration (COST, bilateral & national projects)

What we offer to projects

Reference partner for mountain and headwater environments

Methodological hub for UAV-based hydromorphology and sensor-network hydrology

Testing and validation site for innovative monitoring tools, models, and nature-based solutions

Platforms for upscaling from headwaters to downstream flood risk

Demonstration sites for science–policy interaction and stakeholder engagement

Infrastructure & study areas

Experimental catchments (2–5 km²) with dense automated monitoring

Regional basins (80–140 km²) with near-natural conditions

Study areas in Šumava, Ore Mountains, and Krkonoše (with additional sites outside Europe)

Repeated UAV and field surveys after extreme events

Looking for partners working on

Climate adaptation and resilience

Flood and drought risk management

Nature-based solutions

Advanced environmental monitoring and modeling

Science–policy interface and demonstration actions