Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco

Author:

Aqnouy Mourad1,Ahmed Mohamed2ORCID,Ayele Gebiaw T.3ORCID,Bouizrou Ismail4,Bouadila Abdelmounim4,Stitou El Messari Jamal Eddine5

Affiliation:

1. Applied Geology Research Laboratory, Applied Geology and Remote Sensing Research Team, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismaïl University of Meknes, Boutalamine, P.O. Box 509, Errachidia 52000, Morocco

2. Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA

3. Australian Rivers Institute and School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, Australia

4. Functional Ecology and Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, Morocco

5. Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan P.O. Box 416, Morocco

Abstract

This research evaluates the applicability of different types of hydrological models to simulate discharge behavior scenarios in a northern Moroccan watershed, Oued Laou Watershed (OLW). In this context, an improved understanding of the runoff mechanisms through hydrological modeling of the OLW can assist in the hazard risk management and facilitate the effective planning of water resources. For that end, a multitude of hydrological models were used to perform a very efficient modelling, and a comparative approach was adopted. Comparison of the models allowed the determination of potential sources of uncertainty in hydrological modelling of a subhumid watershed. Three models (ATelier Hydrologique Spatialisé (ATHYS), Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)) with different characteristics were employed for a continuous modelling approach. The models were calibrated and validated using observed daily rainfall and streamflow data for 4 years (2004–2008) and 3 years (2009–2011), respectively. The multi-criteria model comparison (R², NSE, RSR, and PBIAS) showed that all three models are capable of reproducing the observed flows. The SWAT model performed well over both periods (NSE = 0.76 for calibration), with an improvement in validation (NSE = 0.84). A good agreement was also observed in the HEC-HMS model outputs, with an approximately stable NSE of 0.77 and 0.78 for calibration and validation phases, respectively. The ATHYS model showed a NSE value of 0.67 during the calibration, with a decrease of 0.06 towards the validation period. The other performance criteria confirmed these findings. Additionally, results suggest that semi-distributed and conceptual hydrological models are particularly suitable for the OLW given their physical heterogeneity. Generally, the integration of these models may be suitable for water resources assessment in OLW.

Funder

Griffith University

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Water Science and Technology,Aquatic Science,Geography, Planning and Development,Biochemistry

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