ARS | Publication request: Improving perceptual and conceptual hydrological models using data from small basins 2141

Submitted to: International Association of Hydrological Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2010
Publication Date: December 1, 2010
Citation: Mcmilliam, H., Clark, M., Woods, R., Duncan, M., Srinivasani, M., Western, A., Goodrich, D.C. 2010. Improving perceptual and conceptual hydrological models using data from small basins. IAHS Publ. 336:264-269.

Interpretive Summary: Computer models to simulated watershed runoff response to rainfall and melting snow are very important for managing water resources and designing structures such a bridges, culverts, and drainage in developed areas. There are many types of watershed models and they are constructed in many different ways. This study investigated how observations from small watersheds can help inform how these models can be best constructed. It was found that the small watershed data was very beneficial in selecting model components and how those components are put together (model structure). This is an important finding as it provides guidance on constructing efficient and realistic watershed simulation models.

Technical Abstract: This paper demonstrates how data from a small experimental basin can be used to evaluate possible structures for a lumped hydrological model. Data collected at the Mahurangi experimental basin in New Zealand includes rainfall, streamflow and multi-depth soil moisture time-series data. We use this data to evaluate possible model representations of the soil zone available in the FUSE modular modeling framework. Upper and lower soil zone architecture choices were tested. The results provide substantial guidance for model structure choice.