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

The recent floods in June 2013 and August 2002 were the most costly natural disasters in Germany, causing damage of 8 billion euros and 12 billion euros, respectively.

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.