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Mission Statement Hydrologic Science (HS) studies the processes of water cycling through the physical and biological components of the earth system. Thus it is naturally an interdisciplinary field including physical, geological, and bio-geochemical processes in the earth system science. This broadening view has enlarged the scope of research in hydrology since 1980s as reflected in the rapidly increasing activities in AGU and EGU meetings. From this consideration, HS research in Asian-Pacific rim countries faces more challenging issues because of the vast and complex climate system including the pronounced Asian-Australian monsoon, the vast semi-arid climate regions, and the contrasting tropical and polar climate. The research of hydrologic cycle in the region requires the most advanced observations and models. From the broadest scale, hydrologic measurements by satellites and hydro-climate models have been advanced rapidly in recent years. Most of the data and models are openly and freely available. Yet, the data and models need to be evaluated and improved by in-situ data. International collaborative research is absolutely necessary here because so many issues need to be considered in the global scale study of HS. AOGS annual meetings and activities provide an extremely important avenue for facilitating such exchanges and collaborative research. From the broadscale hydrological cycles downscaling to regional- and local- hydrological cycle, many more exchanges and collaborations are needed and AOGS can play an even more important role here to provide opportunities for such exchanges. Beside the above concerns on fundamental issues of HS, Water is also the most precious resource for life and its environment in our planet. Therefore, HS must also intersect research in relevant engineering and socio-economical in studies for water resource management and hazard mitigation/prevention. This concern is particularly important in Asian and Pacific-rim countries where a sustainable development in economy is crucial for environment protection. There are many unique and important issues to be addressed (as demonstrated in the session themes of AOGS 2007) and AOGS can further promote exchanges and collaborations in these issues in the future activities. Although I have a relatively wider interest and expertise acquired from my past experiences, I am humbled by the scope and depth of HS research and applications in the international research community. If I am given an opportunity to serve, I will do my best to organize activities to accomplish the functions of AOGS as stated above.
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