The physical impact assessment integrates high-resolution regional climate information (obtained from EU projects such as PRUDENCE and ENSEMBLES), pan-European hydro-morphological data sets, hydrological modelling and statistical analysis to predict changes in hydrological variables.
The socio-economic impacts are estimated by combining the physical impact with information on exposure (capital, population and ecological assets exposed) and vulnerability (measure of extent to which system can be affected).

Schematic overview of methodology to evaluate the impact of changes in climate and socio-economic drivers on the hydrological cycle

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: