A pre-calibration approach to select optimum inputs for hydrological models in data-scarce regions

TARAWNEH, Esraa, BRIDGE, Jonathan and MACDONALD, Neil (2016). A pre-calibration approach to select optimum inputs for hydrological models in data-scarce regions. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences (HESS), 20 (10), 4391-4407.

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Official URL: http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/20/4391/2016/
Link to published version:: https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4391-2016

Abstract

This study uses the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model to quantitatively compare available input datasets in a data-poor dryland environment (Wala catchment, Jordan; 1743 km2). Eighteen scenarios combining best available land-use, soil and weather datasets (1979–2002) are considered to construct SWAT models. Data include local observations and global reanalysis data products. Uncalibrated model outputs assess the variability in model performance derived from input data sources only. Model performance against discharge and sediment load data are compared using r2, Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), root mean square error standard deviation ratio (RSR) and percent bias (PBIAS). NSE statistic varies from 0.56 to −12 and 0.79 to −85 for best- and poorest-performing scenarios against observed discharge and sediment data respectively. Global weather inputs yield considerable improvements on discontinuous local datasets, whilst local soil inputs perform considerably better than global-scale mapping. The methodology provides a rapid, transparent and transferable approach to aid selection of the most robust suite of input data.

Item Type: Article
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018: Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities > Department of Natural and Build Environment
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4391-2016
Page Range: 4391-4407
Depositing User: Jonathan Bridge
Date Deposited: 30 Jan 2017 15:01
Last Modified: 18 Mar 2021 16:00
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/15044

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