Preface

摘要

The Regional Working Group of Northern Research Basins (NRB) was set up to foster research of river basins in high latitudes. NRB was established in 1975 as part of UNESCO's International Hydrological Programme. The hydrological cycle in high latitudes is dominated by snow, ice and permafrost. The objectives of the NRB is to gain better understanding of snow and ice processes and their influence on the hydrological regime, to provide data for analysis and synthesis of hydrological processes, and to encourage exchange of personnel and information. The hydrological response to climate variations and climate change is strongly noticed in the north and is an important part of the studies and the research. A further objective of NRB is to assess and predict the human influence on northern environments. The participating countries are the circumpolar ones: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and USA. UK, Japan, Germany and Switzerland are loosely associated. Anybody involved in relevant research is welcome to take part in the NRB activities.