Overview of Hydrological Modeling of Climate Impacts on Rivers in the Mediterranean and Lebanon

Expected impacts of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East region are critical. The general circulation models (GCMs) projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicate a drying trend in the region by the end of the 21st century. Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Lebanon undergoes impacts of climate change as would other Mediterranean countries. This paper addresses the most recent studies related to hydrological modelling of river flow around the Mediterranean region in general and Lebanon in specific. This will allow identification of needed research and studies in the area to assess the river flow in Lebanon and the impact of climate change on water quality and quantity. It was observed that Lebanon requires a more detailed assessment of its water resources through the use of physically-based models that will allow incorporation of climate change impacts on its water resources.