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Human impacts on hydrological cycle

Heinäjoki stream in Korpilahti 

Runoff generation and solute transport are determined by land use, soil and bedrock properties and climatic conditions. According to Köppen's climate classification, Finland belongs to the cool to temperate, coniferous to mixed forest zones, and the vast majority, more than two thirds of the area of Finland are covered by forests. Forests influence the state of our waters remarkably. Our research group has a long tradition in studying runoff and solute transport in forested, till and peat soil dominated watersheds. In regard to eutrophication, agriculture is the main source of diffuse pollution to our inland water bodies as well as the coastal waters of the Baltic Sea. Agricultural land covers about ten percent of our land area. Our group studies water flow and nutrient loading in particular in clayey, agricultural lands. Developed, densely populated areas cover only few percent of the area of Finland, but stormwater may affect the state of water bodies remarkably in and near developed areas. Urban hydrology has therefore become one of the main research topics during the past decade. In addition to research related to different land use types, our group also studies water research management comprehensively, and for instance operation of lakes and rivers as well as issues related to surface water restoration are an essential part of our research.

Overland flow

For more information:

Water in forested areas: Prof. Harri Koivusalo, Dr Teemu Kokkonen, Dr. Hanne Laine-Kaulio

 Urban hydrology: Prof. Harri Koivusalo,  Prof. Riku Vahala

Water in agricultural areas:  Dr. Lassi Warsta

Operation of the rivers and lakes: Prof. Harri Koivusalo