Setting up the water balance simulation model WaSiM for the assessment of climate change impacts in Chiba basin, Tunisia

The project CLIMB (Climate Induced Changes on the Hydrology of Mediterranean Basins - Reducing Uncertainty and Quantifying Risk through an Integrated Monitoring and Modeling System, www.climb-fp7.eu) investigates the impacts of climate change on hydrological quantities and the occurrence of extreme events for the Mediterranean Region and neighboring countries. This study gives insights into setting up the “Water balance Simulation Model” WaSiM in Chiba basin, situated in the north-east of Tunisia. Besides that, the intended climate change impact assessment framework for this region is presented which also includes uncertainty information within the climate and hydrological modeling chain. Finally, some preliminary results are presented which indicate a considerable decline of total available water and associated risks in the study area between the reference (1971-2000) and scenario period (20412070).