Figure. Difference in groundwater level (m) between the old situation (old course) and the future simulated situation with meanders. Based on Rogiers et al. (2011).

The hydrology of floodplains is mainly influenced by the interaction between groundwater and surface water. Our knowledge regarding this interaction is however limited. Therefore, WP2 aims to develop a coupled groundwater-surface water model for floodplains. The main processes influencing the hydrology of floodplains will be included, such as groundwater-river water interactions, floods and evapotranspiration. In addition, a detailed floodplain hydrology model will be coupled with a catchment model, so that the effects of climate change and land use change on the floodplain hydrology can be simulated.