| 11 Feb 2025
100 Years of IAHS – Graphic capitalisation and poetic celebration
In centenary celebration of IAHS,
Converging knowledge, shared in global embrace,
Hydrological sciences in captivating displays,
A graphic chaptering, and poetic interlace.
In hydrology's realm, bound by waters' embrace,
Scientists unite, with knowledge as their base,
Exploring Earth's hydrological expanse,
IAHS unites experts in a vital dance.
In 1922, a grand vision came true,
Embodying post-war values in a global debut,
An independent force, with science as its might,
A network went forth, international in its sight.
Across borders they ventured, united in their quest,
Fostering collaboration, innovation they pressed,
An international force, breaking barriers with glee,
This network, independent and forever free.
Science together, their progress took flight,
With inclusive values firm, dispelling any plight,
In conferences and sides, ideas intertwined,
An international network, open and defined.
Despite pandemic, on Montpellier 2022 stages,
The IAHS strongly alive, community engages,
Fig. 1, the conference, emotions take flight
Coffee break, the scene where memories ignite,
With graphic posters, cartoons so fair,
Figs. S1 to S101, a retrospective affair.
The 10 decades, a playful display,
Each poster, a snapshot, capturing the sway,
IAHS shares, adventure on full display,
In Redbooks/PIAHS oldest series, this article they convey.
Rivers meander, as lakes stand tall,
Estuaries interface, where waters enthrall.
Glaciers (un)balance, majestic and grand,
Groundwaters whisper, concealed in the land.
Rainfall dances, a symphony in the air,
Evaporation's invisible veil we dare to share.
Water cycle and life, intertwined they stand,
Community unravels their secrets, hand in hand.
Erosion and sediments shape geomorphology,
Catchments and scales structure geography.
Floods and droughts, extremes in quantity,
Chemistry vehicled, health impacted by quality,
But let's not forget, there's still work to do,
Too much, too few, and dirty water too,
Demand science and our utmost care,
For solutions to make our planet fair and square.
Within the realm of water's endless grace,
Hydrometry reigns, its role we must embrace.
Comparing standards with precision and care,
Through remote sensing, insights we can share.
Tracers guide us within water intricate ways,
Unraveling invisible across mesmerizing maze.
With low-cost innovations, to increase the density,
IAHS triggers advancements, visionary and free.
Perceptual data, uncertainty contained,
Modelling, conceptual clarity obtained.
In hydrology, complexity we navigate,
For decision, support we create.
In waterscapes, where change and paradoxes reside,
Anthropocene's impact on hydroclimate can't hide.
Community delves into ungauged basins to explore,
Regionalisation reveals patterns never seen before.
Integrating resources, a water plan in sight,
With systems managed and decisions made right,
Citizens and knowledge, pivotal and true,
Indigenous wisdom to guide us through.
In a world where water's held with care,
Integrated solutions for all to share,
With support and insight, scientists contribute,
Empowering stakeholders, co-creation tribute.
Gathering at conferences, a century profound,
Worldwide Association, water's knowledge renowned.
Redbooks and HSJ, archived cherished treasures,
Education and training, capacity's soaring measures.
Decades of progress, development we convey,
PUB and Panta Rhei highlighting our way.
Together we thrive, writing chapters we can see,
Advancing hydrological affairs, epistemic legacy.
In a century's span, without a halt or miss,
Hydrological sciences seek collaborative bliss,
Partnerships with ICSU/ISC, IUGG, IACS …
Learned societies across countries, unique matrix
With United Nations' hand, they join the fight,
UNESCO, WMO lend their global might,
UN-Water nudges them to potentials unseen,
Together they strive, rivers of wisdom convene.
One hundred years have passed since its birth,
The International Association of Hydrological Sciences,
A century of knowledge, exploration's worth,
Advancing understanding, socio-hydro mysteries.
Cent ans déjà depuis la naissance,
L'association enchante la science hydrologique,
Réunissant experts de tous horizons,
Pour l'eau, source vitale, son hymne mélodique.
Through research and studies, we strive to learn,
Balancing water's power with its preservation
Safeguarding our planet, its every turn,
For future generations, a lasting foundation.
For a century strong, this association stands,
Guiding our world's waterways with skilled hands.
Figure 1Display of decadal posters during the IAHS 2022 Assembly in Montpellier, France. (a) The community gathering. (b) The IAHS display of publications, some decadal posters and digital water globe. (c) A decadal poster among the regular poster session. Credit: Christophe Cudennec.