Prof. Wim M. J. Cornelis from Ghent University, Belgium paid a visit to the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IMHE) on Dec. 6-9, 2011.

Prof. Cornelis delivered  in IMHE.(picture by IMHE)

Prof. Cornelis delivered a report on the 21st century hydrological modeling to optimize ancient water conservation techniques, followed by field inspection on soil moisture and runoff monitoring System at sloping farmland as well as long term experimental plots and multi-scale monitoring system for eco-hydrologic parameters at Yanting Agro-ecological Experimental Station of Purple Soil. The two sides exchanged views on methods for soil hydrophysical parameter determination, preferential flow mechanism via macropores and fractures and its model representation.

Given the complementarities in their research merits and contents, both sides agreed on potential cooperation in such research fields as soil hydraulic properties, coupling of sediment transport with hydrologic model, development of hydrologic models for contaminant transport, model validation and application at multiple scales.

They also agreed to carry out extensive cooperation by jointly applying projects and sharing scientific facilities and to solidify the partnership by supporting personnel training and exchange.

Prof. Cornelis, UNESCO Vice-Chair on Eremology, is engaged in the research of soil physics, hillslope hydrology and soil and water conservation techniques. He is now appointed as Visiting Professor of IMHE and involved in CAS-SAFEA International Partnership Project for Creative Research Teams on “Land surface processes and environmental effects in mountain area in Upper Yangtze River Reaches”.