Distributed conceptual modelling in a Swedish lowland catchment: a multi-criteria model assessment

2012 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 318-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Wrede ◽  
Jan Seibert ◽  
Stefan Uhlenbrook
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Representation ◽  
Environmental Flows ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Model Concept ◽  
Flow Measurements

Operational management and prediction of water quantity and quality often requires a spatially meaningful simulation of environmental flows and storages at the catchment scale. In this study, the performance of a fully distributed conceptual hydrologic model was evaluated based on the HBV (Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning) and TACD (Tracer Aided Catchment model – Distributed) model concept in the meso-scale Fyrisån catchment in the Central Swedish lowlands. For a more spatially explicit representation of runoff generation processes of small landscape elements such as wetlands, a new sub-grid parameterization scheme was implemented in the model. In addition, a simple flow distribution and lake retention routine was introduced to better conceptualize the flow routing. During intensive model evaluation and comparison the model underwent conventional split-sample and proxy-basin tests. In this process, shortcomings of the model in the transferability of parameter sets and in the spatial representation of runoff generating processes were found. It was also demonstrated how a detailed comparison with a lumped benchmark model and the additional use of synoptic stream flow measurements allowed further insights into the model performance. It could be concluded that such a thorough model assessment can help to detect shortcomings in the spatial representation of the model and help facilitate model development.

scholarly journals Controls on runoff generation and scale-dependence in a distributed hydrologic model

2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 983-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. Vivoni ◽  
D. Entekhabi ◽  
R. L. Bras ◽  
V. Y. Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Scale Dependence ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
Return Flow ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Scaling Properties ◽  
Infiltration Excess ◽  
Runoff Production

Abstract. Hydrologic response in natural catchments is controlled by a set of complex interactions between storm properties, basin characteristics and antecedent wetness conditions. This study investigates the transient runoff response to spatially-uniform storms of varying properties using a distributed model of the coupled surface-subsurface system, which treats heterogeneities in topography, soils and vegetation. We demonstrate the control that the partitioning into multiple runoff mechanisms (infiltration-excess, saturation-excess, perched return flow and groundwater exfiltration) has on nonlinearities in the rainfall-runoff transformation and its scale-dependence. Antecedent wetness imposed through a distributed water table position is varied to illustrate its effect on runoff generation. Results indicate that transitions observed in basin flood response (magnitude, timing and volume) can be explained by shifts in the surface-subsurface partitioning. An analysis of the spatial organization of runoff production also shows that multiple mechanisms have specific catchment niches and can occur simultaneously in the basin. In addition, catchment scale plays an important role in the distribution of runoff production as basin characteristics (soils, vegetation, topography and initial wetness) are varied with basin area. For example, we illustrate how storm characteristics and antecedent wetness play a dramatic role in the scaling properties of the catchment runoff ratio.

scholarly journals Controls on runoff generation and scale-dependence in a distributed hydrologic model

2007 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1683-1701 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. Vivoni ◽  
D. Entekhabi ◽  
R. L. Bras ◽  
V. Y. Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Organization ◽  
Scale Dependence ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
Return Flow ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Scaling Properties ◽  
Infiltration Excess ◽  
Runoff Production

Abstract. Hydrologic response in natural catchments is controlled by a set of complex interactions between storm properties, basin characteristics and antecedent wetness conditions. This study investigates the transient runoff response to spatially-uniform storms of varying properties using a distributed model of the coupled surface-subsurface system, which treats heterogeneities in topography, soils and vegetation. We demonstrate the control that the partitioning into multiple runoff mechanisms (infiltration-excess, saturation-excess, perched return flow and groundwater exfiltration) has on nonlinearities in the rainfall-runoff transformation and its scale-dependence. Antecedent wetness imposed through a distributed water table position is varied to illustrate its effect on runoff generation. Results indicate that transitions observed in basin flood response and its nonlinear and scale-dependent behavior can be explained by shifts in the surface-subsurface partitioning. An analysis of the spatial organization of runoff production also shows that multiple mechanisms have specific catchment niches and can occur simultaneously in the basin. In addition, catchment scale plays an important role in the distribution of runoff production as basin characteristics (soils, vegetation, topography and initial wetness) are varied with basin area. For example, we illustrate how storm characteristics and antecedent wetness play an important role in the scaling properties of the catchment runoff ratio.

scholarly journals Using satellite-based evapotranspiration estimates to improve the structure of a simple conceptual rainfall–runoff model

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 879-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tirthankar Roy ◽  
Hoshin V. Gupta ◽  
Aleix Serrat-Capdevila ◽  
Juan B. Valdes
Keyword(s):  
Model Performance ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Actual Evapotranspiration ◽  
Hydrologic Models ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Model Driven ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Precipitation Estimates ◽  
Daily Water ◽  
Rainfall Runoff Model

Abstract. Daily, quasi-global (50° N–S and 180° W–E), satellite-based estimates of actual evapotranspiration at 0.25° spatial resolution have recently become available, generated by the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). We investigate the use of these data to improve the performance of a simple lumped catchment-scale hydrologic model driven by satellite-based precipitation estimates to generate streamflow simulations for a poorly gauged basin in Africa. In one approach, we use GLEAM to constrain the evapotranspiration estimates generated by the model, thereby modifying daily water balance and improving model performance. In an alternative approach, we instead change the structure of the model to improve its ability to simulate actual evapotranspiration (as estimated by GLEAM). Finally, we test whether the GLEAM product is able to further improve the performance of the structurally modified model. Results indicate that while both approaches can provide improved simulations of streamflow, the second approach also improves the simulation of actual evapotranspiration significantly, which substantiates the importance of making diagnostic structural improvements to hydrologic models whenever possible.

scholarly journals Internal evaluation of a physically-based distributed model using data from a Mediterranean mountain catchment

2002 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Anderton ◽  
J. Latron ◽  
S. M. White ◽  
P. Llorens ◽  
F. Gallart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Model Performance ◽  
Flow Simulation ◽  
Water Model ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
Canopy Interception ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Phreatic Surface ◽  
Internal Evaluation ◽  
Mountain Catchment ◽  
Physically Based

Abstract. An evaluation of the performance of a physically-based distributed model of a small Mediterranean mountain catchment is presented. This was carried out using hydrological response data, including measurements of runoff, soil moisture, phreatic surface level and actual evapotranspiration. A-priori model parameterisation was based as far as possible on property data measured in the catchment. Limited model calibration was required to identify an appropriate value for terms controlling water loss to a deeper regional aquifer. The model provided good results for an initial calibration period, when judged in terms of catchment discharge. However, model performance for runoff declined substantially when evaluated against a consecutive, rather drier, period of data. Evaluation against other catchment responses allowed identification of the problems responsible for the observed lack of model robustness in flow simulation. In particular, it was shown that an incorrect parameterisation of the soil water model was preventing adequate representation of drainage from soils during hydrograph recessions. This excess moisture was then being removed via an overestimation of evapotranspiration. It also appeared that the model underestimated canopy interception. The results presented here suggest that model evaluation against catchment scale variables summarising its water balance can be of great use in identifying problems with model parameterisation, even for distributed models. Evaluation using spatially distributed data yielded less useful information on model performance, owing to the relative sparseness of data points, and problems of mismatch of scale between the measurement and the model grid. Keywords: physically-based distributed model, SHETRAN, parameterisation, Mediterranean mountain catchment, internal evaluation, multi-response

Modeling Nitrate Export at the Catchment Scale using StorAge Selection Functions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tam Nguyen ◽  
Rohini Kumar ◽  
Stefanie R. Lutz ◽  
Andreas Musolff ◽  
Jan H. Fleckenstein
Keyword(s):  
Time Distribution ◽  
Root Zone ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
Nitrate Transport ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Soil Zone ◽  
Different Ages ◽  
Nitrate Export

<p>Catchments store and release water of different ages. The time of a water parcel remaining in contact with the catchment subsurface affects the solute dynamics in the catchment and ultimately in the stream. Catchment storage can be conceptualized as a collection of different water parcels with different ages, the so-called residence time distribution (RTD). Similarly, the distribution of water ages in streamflow at the catchment outlet, which is sampled from the RTD, is called the travel time distribution (TTD). The selection preferences for discharge can be characterized by StorAge selection (SAS) functions. In recent years, numerical experiments have shown that SAS functions are time-variant and can be approximated, for example, by the beta distribution function. SAS functions have been emerging as a promising tool for modeling catchment-scale solute export.</p><p>In this study, we aim to integrate the SAS-based description of nitrate transport with the mHM-Nitrate model (Yang et al., 2018) to simulate solute transport and turnover above and below the soil zone including legacy effects. The mHM-Nitrate is a grid based distributed model with the hydrological concept taken from the mesoscale Hydrologic Model (mHM) and the water quality concept taken from the HYdrological Predictions for the Environment (HYPE) model. Here, we replaced the description of nitrate transport in groundwater from the original mHM-Nitrate with time-variant SAS-based modeling, while we kept the detailed description of turnover of organic and inorganic nitrogen in the near-surface (root zone) from mHM-Nitrate. First-order decay was used to represent biogeochemical (denitrification) processes below the root zone and in the stream. The proposed model was tested in a mixed agricultural-forested headwater catchment in the Harz Mountains, Germany. Results show that the proposed SAS augmented nitrate model (with the time-variant beta function) is able to represent streamflow and catchment nitrate export with satisfactory results (NSE for streamflow = 0.83 and for nitrate = 0.5 at the daily time step). Overall, our combined model provides a new approach for a spatially distributed simulation of nitrogen reaction processes in the soil zone and a spatially implicit simulation of transport pathways of nitrate and denitrification in the entire catchment.</p><p><span>Yang, X.</span>, <span>Jomaa, S.</span>, <span>Zink, M.</span>, <span>Fleckenstein, J. H.</span>, <span>Borchardt, D.</span>, & <span>Rode, M.</span> ( <span>2018</span>). <span>A new fully distributed model of nitrate transport and removal at catchment scale</span>. <em>Water Resources Research</em>, <span>54</span>, <span>5856</span>– <span>5877</span>.</p>

scholarly journals Climate, landscape and vegetation controls of behavioral catchments on dominant runoff response and catchment travel time distribution

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chatchai Jothityangkoon ◽  
Haruetai Maskong
Keyword(s):  
Travel Time ◽  
Overland Flow ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Physical Relationship ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Hillslope Scale ◽  
The Impact

The three dominant processes contributing to runoff as proposed by the Dunne diagram are Hortonian overland flow (HOF), Dunne overland flow (DOF) and subsurface storm flow (SSF). Using a theoretical perspective, we investigate the impact of climate, soil, topography and vegetation on catchment water balance and the probability distribution of the travel times of each runoff generation component in respect of the connected instantaneous response function (CIRF) including the interaction of a partial contributing area connecting to the outlet. A simple distributed hydrologic model is used to capture the effect of the catchment response and to estimate the CIRFs under different possible integration of combined effect of climate, soil, topography and vegetation. A set of dimensionless similarity parameters represent catchment functions and provide a quantitative explanation of the conceptual Dunne diagram. Behavioral catchments are defined from the empirical range of the Budyko curve and mainly compatible to the physical relationship as illustrated in the Dunne diagram. The results consistent with the Dunne diagram are: (1) DOF and SSF dominates in humid for behavioral sand and silt catchments, (2) HOF dominates in arid for behavioral silt and clay catchments. Inconsistent results are: (1) SSF dominates in arid for behavioral sand, silt and clay catchments, (2) HOF dominates in humid for behavioral clay catchment and (3) no dominant HOF for behavioral sand catchment. For HOF and DOF dominates, the distribution of CIRFs can be grouped into similar shapes, which depend on the relative contribution of hillslope scale and catchment scale. For SSF behavioral catchments, the shape of the CIRFs depends on the dryness index. The combined catchment CIRFs of mean travel time for runoff responses consists with the higher first peak from the HOF and/or DOF and the second peak from the SSF.

scholarly journals Hydrological model assessment for flood early warning in a tropical high mountain basin

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Carolina Rogelis ◽  
Micha Werner ◽  
Nelson Obregón ◽  
Nigel Wright
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Early Warning ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
High Mountain ◽  
Model Assessment ◽  
Lumped Model ◽  
Water Storage Capacity ◽  
Soil Moisture Accounting ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. A distributed model (TETIS), a semi-distributed model (TOPMODEL) and a lumped model (HEC HMS soil moisture accounting) were used to simulate the discharge response of a tropical high mountain basin characterized by soils with high water storage capacity and high conductivity. The models were calibrated with the Shuffle Complex Evolution algorithm, using the Kling and Gupta efficiency as objective function. Performance analysis and diagnostics were carried out using the signatures of the flow duration curve and through analysis of the model fluxes in order to identify the most appropriate model for the study area for flood early warning. The impact of varying grid sizes was assessed in the TETIS model and the TOPMODEL in order to chose a model with balanced model performance and computational efficiency. The sensitivity of the models to variation in the precipitation input was analysed by forcing the models with a rainfall ensemble obtained from Gaussian simulation. The resulting discharge ensembles of each model were compared in order to identify differences among models structures. The results show that TOPMODEL is the most realistic model of the three tested, albeit showing the largest discharge ensemble spread. The main differences among models occur between HEC HMS soil moisture accounting and TETIS, and HEC HMS soil moisture accounting and TOPMODEL, with HEC HMS soil moisture accounting producing ensembles in a range lower than the other two models. The ensembles of TETIS and TOPMODEL are more similar.

Event runoff calibration with LISEM in a recently burned Mediterranean forest catchment.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Vieira ◽  
Marta Basso ◽  
João Nunes ◽  
Jacob Keizer ◽  
Jantiene Baartman
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Soil Moisture Content ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Hydrological Response ◽  
Runoff Generation ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Initial Soil ◽  
Total Discharge

<p>Wildfires are known to change post-fire hydrological response as a consequence of fire-induced changes such as soil water repellence (SWR). SWR has also been identified as a key factor determining runoff generation at plot and slope scale studies, in which soil moisture content (SMC) has been presented as dependent variable. However, these relationships have not been established at catchment scale yet, mainly due to the inherent difficulties in monitoring post-fire hydrological responses at this scale and in finding relationships between these events with SWR point (time and space) measurements. To fulfil these knowledge gaps, the present study aims to advance the knowledge on post-fire hydrological response by simulating quick flows from a small burned catchment using a physical event-based soil erosion model (OpenLISEM).</p><p>OpenLISEM was applied to simulate sixteen events with two distinct initial soil moisture conditions (dry and wet), in which the model calibration was performed by adjusting Manning’s n and saturated soil moisture content (theta<sub>s</sub>). Considering that manual calibration resulted in distinct Manning’s n for wet and dry conditions, while thetas required an individual calibration for each event, an alternative parameterization of theta<sub>s</sub> was created by means of linear regressions, for all the events together (“overall”), and for wet and dry events separately (“wet” and “dry”). Model performance was evaluated at the outlet, while hillslope predictions were compared with runoff data from micro-plots that were installed at 3 of the hillslopes (Vieira et al., 2018).</p><p>The validation of field data at micro-plot scale revealed several comparability limitations attributed to the time-step of the field data (1- to 2-weekly) in comparison to the duration of the events (170-940 min). Nevertheless, the most striking result from our simulations is the fact that OpenLISEM did not predict overland flow generation at two out of the three locations where it was observed. Our simulations also showed that the forest roads are a source of the runoff generation and their configuration affects catchment connectivity.</p><p>At the outlet level, OpenLISEM achieved a satisfactory (0.50 < NSE ≤ 0.70) and very good (NSE > 0.80) model performance according to Moriasi, et al. (2015), in predicting total discharge (NSE=0.95), peak discharge (NSE=0.68), and the time of the peak (NSE=1.00), for the entire set of events under manual calibration. In addition, simulations in wet conditions achieved higher accuracy in comparison to the dry ones.</p><p>When using the parameterization based on the linear regression calibration, OpenLISEM simulation efficiency dropped, but still to satisfactory and very good (NSE<sub>overall</sub> = 0.58, NSE<sub>combined</sub> =0.86) accuracy levels for total discharge.</p><p>Overall, we conclude that calibrating post-fire hydrological response at catchment scale with the OpenLISEM model, can result in reliable simulations for total flow, peak discharge and timing of the peaks. When considering the parameterization of theta<sub>s</sub> as proxy for repellent and wettable soils, more information than the initial soil moisture is required.</p>

scholarly journals Using Satellite-Based Evapotranspiration Estimates to Improve the Structure of a Simple Conceptual Rainfall-Runoff Model

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tirthankar Roy ◽  
Hoshin V. Gupta ◽  
Aleix Serrat-Capdevila ◽  
Juan B. Valdes
Keyword(s):  
Model Performance ◽  
Hydrologic Model ◽  
Actual Evapotranspiration ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Modified Model ◽  
Model Driven ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Precipitation Estimates ◽  
Daily Water ◽  
Rainfall Runoff Model

Abstract. Daily, quasi-global (50° N-S and 180° W-E), satellite-based estimates of actual evapotranspiration at 0.25° spatial resolution have recently become available, generated by the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM). We investigate use of these data to improve the performance of a simple lumped catchment scale hydrologic model driven by satellite-based precipitation estimates to generate streamflow simulations for a poorly gauged basin in Africa. In one approach, we use GLEAM to constrain the evapotranspiration estimates generated by the model, thereby modifying the daily water balance and improving model performance. In an alternative approach, we instead change the structure of the model to improve its ability to simulate actual evapotranspiration (as estimated by GLEAM). Finally, we test whether the GLEAM product is able to further improve the performance of the structurally modified model. The results suggest that the modified model can provide improved simulations of both streamflow and evapotranspiration, even if GLEAM-satellite-based evapotranspiration data are not available.

scholarly journals Hydrological appraisal of operational weather radar rainfall estimates in the context of different modelling structures

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 10495-10534
Author(s):  
D. Zhu ◽  
Y. Xuan ◽  
I. Cluckie
Keyword(s):  
Hydrological Model ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Distributed Model ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Radar Rainfall ◽  
Rainfall Events ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Rainfall Estimates

Abstract. Radar rainfall estimates have become increasingly available for hydrological modellers over recent years, especially for flood forecasting and warning over poorly gauged catchments. However, the impact of using radar rainfall as compared with conventional raingauge inputs, with respect to various hydrological model structures, remains unclear and yet to be addressed. In the study presented by this paper, we analysed the flow simulations of the Upper Medway catchment of Southeast England using the UK NIMROD radar rainfall estimates using three hydrological models based upon three very different structures, e.g. a physically based distributed MIKE SHE model, a lumped conceptual model PDM and an event-based unit hydrograph model PRTF. We focused on the sensitivity of simulations in relation to the storm types and various rainfall intensities. The uncertainty in radar-rainfall estimates, scale effects and extreme rainfall were examined in order to quantify the performance of the radar. We found that radar rainfall estimates were lower than raingauge measurements in high rainfall rates; the resolutions of radar rainfall data had insignificant impact at this catchment scale in the case of evenly distributed rainfall events but was obvious otherwise for high-intensity, localised rainfall events with great spatial heterogeneity. As to hydrological model performance, the distributed model had consistent reliable and good performance on peak simulation with all the rainfall types tested in this study.

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