World Association for Sedimentation and Erosion Research (WASER)

Dear members of WASER,

All over the world, we are still shocked and astonished by the terrible sight of forces displayed by Nature in Japan, under the combined effects of land and water motion. We, the patient and meticulous observers of the light interplay between these two elements in our laboratories or experimental sites, are well aware that playful erosion and tranquil sedimentation may also assume under circumstances really catastrophic aspects. This is for instance the (luckily rare) case - of large disruptive debris flow occurring in the upper part of river watersheds, as well as the (more frequent) case of bottom over-aggradation, and possible inundation, of piedmont rivers. Indeed I am convinced that our Association possesses much useful knowledge to offer for disaster prevention and control and that many WASER members would be glad to share their specific competences in this matter with their prestigious Japanese colleagues. The more so because in 2013, under the leadership of Prof.Hajime Nakagawa, the University of Kyoto will host the 12th International Symposium on River Sedimentation, namely the triennial conference of WASER and IRTCES. Besides our condolence for the tragedy, I confide that we may transmit to Japan a message of hope and reliance on the capacities of science and technology.

President of WASER：G. Di Silvio   
  

Vice Presidents of WASER: Wang Zhaoyin, Gerrit Basson, Ulrich Zanke