Editorial

摘要

The 27th Nordic Water conference was held in Oulu, Finland on 13-15 August 2012. The conference attracted a record number of participants from the Nordic countries, Baltic states and many other parts of the world where cold climate hydrology plays a role. The main topic was 'catchment restoration and water protection', but the conference also included special sessions and scientific contributions on all aspects of hydrology. The main topic was selected to respond to future challenges laid down by the EU Water Framework Directive and the Groundwater Directive, which aim to ensure good water quality for human and ecosystem needs. Several of the manuscripts in the special issue increase our understanding of hydrological process, modelling and future water management.