By the time you read this editorial you may well be thinking about Christmas. However, that is one of the furthest things from my mind at the moment for a number of reasons. First, I am writing in August, currently on annual leave and staring at the peaceful vista that is Keilder Water, UK. Second, I have had no mobile or internet access for the last four days (which in itself is strange) and as such my phone has been silent, bar an annoying noise five minutes ago reminding me that I had an editorial to write this month. Third, I am supposed to have totally switched off from work. However, the latter was never really going to happen – very few civil engineers that I know can totally switch off, particularly when watching the sun reflect off the small waves of Kielder Water (an effect which my 5-year-old son describes as ‘stars in the water'). In the distance is a house floating on the water (also a description courtesy of my son – for those that have figured out what he is referring to please feel free to send your answers on a postcard to the editor) that is not unpleasant to look at, particularly when you appreciate what it is for.
Returning to the papers that make up this issue, I wonder if as many of them will have the impact that Kielder reservoir has had on this part of the country? Afshar (2013) reminds us of the complexity associated with hydropower reservoir optimisation and suggests that the application of cellular automata (a term often used in other branches of science to represent a discrete model study) may provide an answer since it permits real-life complexities to be taken into account. The objective of Afshar's research is to find a set of release/storage volumes that maximise the total benefit of energy production over the operational period. Two theoretical case studies containing four and ten reservoirs are investigated. The results from the new method are compared with results obtained using two different approaches. The first approach is centered around the use of genetic algorithms, while the second is based on particle swarm optimisation (an unfamiliar term in this journal and to me until I read the paper). The computational efficiency of using the cellular automata is clearly demonstrated.
Continuing the use of computational methods and the link to Kielder reservoir (albeit a very tenuous one), Kisi et al. (2013) use an adaptive neuro-fuzzy system to examine the flow over a side weir. Using an extensive dataset obtained by Emiroglu et al. (2007), Kisi et al. demonstrate the applicability of this technique and show agreement with experimental data. However, given the formulae that currently exist to obtain discharge coefficients for rectangular side weirs, one could be forgiven for not knowing which one to choose. Perhaps this is an area where further work is required in order to produce a definitive equation (assuming such a thing exists)?
Gazing across the impressive site that is Kielder water and thinking about the complexities associated with side weirs it is easy to forget that groundwater storage plays a significant part in international water resource provision. Thankfully, Baruffi et al. (2013) remind us of the importance of this issue and in particular, the possible implications that climate change may have on this valuable resource. The authors use geographic information systems (GIS) to evaluate the irrigation requirements of the main summer crops in the upper Veneto and Friuli plains of Northeastern Italy. Having established an appropriate model and obtained the relevant data, the paper then explores the impact that possible climate change may have on this region and the groundwater resource.
Continuing with the groundwater theme, Nusari et al. (2013) examine the issue of seawater intrusion in the Langat basin in Malaysia. This paper presents a nice contrast to the work of Baruffi et al. who were concerned (in part) with water scarcity. Nusari et al. note that ‘High annual rainfall in Malaysia does not [necessarily] solve seasonal water scarcity problems'. The authors are able to quantify the extent of seawater intrusion in the different hydrogeological layers that form the basin. This analysis lays the foundations for improving the water resource management policy in the Langat basin as the future unfolds.
I think this issue reflects one of the great strengths of this journal – its diversity. There is seldom an issue that I read where I am not introduced to a new approach/concept that inspires me to think about my own research. I hope you will enjoy reading this issue as much as I have. Now, time to enjoy what little is left of this year's holiday…
