Hydrology

The Hydrology Department at NVE has more than 100 employees and is responsible for collecting, storing and analysing data. The department carries out research and development activities, as well as commissioned work, and is also responsible for the national flood warning service. NVE also has experience from many parts of the world in providing expertise in water resources assessments. 

Data collection
The water-related parametres currently collected by the Hydrology Department cover the land-phase of the water cycle:

• Water levels and discharge
• Water temperature
• Ice on lakes and rivers
• Sediment transport
• Snow
• Glaciers
• Soil moisture and groundwater

NVE displays hydrological real-time data on the internet: www.nve.no/realtimedata

Data Storage
The data are quality controlled and stored in our national hydrological database system, called “HYDRA II”. This database comprises both observation data and the software for analyses, and is in general open for use by registered external users.

Analyses and assessments
Our expertise includes, for example, station network design and operation, measurement and observation technology, basic and advanced data processing, hydrological database management, environmental impact assessments, and hydrological analyses in general.

Research and development
Our research focuses on understanding processes in the hydrological cycle with a specialization in the areas of the water balance, cryosphere and erosion/sedimentation. Observations, experiments and modelling are key components of the research. The effect of climate change is a key research topic. Recently research related to natural disasters and extremes has become a priority, including studies of floods, droughts, avalanches and landslides in a present and future climate.