This conference aimed to explore permafrost hydrology from an interdisciplinary perspective in order to address three types of uncertainties: (1) those concerning the environmental risks caused by hydrological disturbances in permafrost in response to climate warming; (2) those linked to the use of numerical modeling when investigating hydrological processes; and (3) those regarding future projections of permafrost hydrology in a warming climate.

Indeed, global warming is threatening the stability of the permanently frozen ground, known as permafrost. Across the northern latitudes, the thawing of ice-rich permafrost is already reshaping the topography of the landscapes, altering the distribution of surface water, and thereby triggering a broad ecological shift. The associated changes in nutrient fluxes, heat regulation, and greenhouse gas emissions (resulting from the release of large carbon pools previously trapped in frozen ground) are expected to have global consequences. As a carrier of heat and nutrients, water plays a crucial role in these processes: it influences the thermal state of the permafrost and supports the food chain. Therefore, understanding hydrology in cold regions is essential for anticipating the local and global consequences of permafrost thaw on biodiversity, human health, and further climate change.

The conference brought together experienced and early-career researchers from the fields of geoscience, computer science, and environmental and social sciences to explore three core topics:

• DAY 1 - Highlighting the local and global risks caused by hydrological disturbances in cold regions;
• DAY 2 - Improving the numerical representation of current hydrological processes in cold regions;
• DAY 3 - Improving the accuracy of medium- and long-term hydrological projections in warming cold regions.

Financed through funds provided by

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