Abstract
Abstract. A distributed or semi-distributed deterministic hydrological model should consider the hydrologically most relevant catchment characteristics. These are heterogeneously distributed within a watershed but often interrelated and subject to a certain spatial organization which results in archetypes of combined characteristics. In order to reproduce the natural rainfall–runoff response the reduction of variance of catchment properties as well as the incorporation of the spatial organization of the catchment are desirable. In this study the width-function approach is utilized as a basic characteristic to analyse the succession of catchment characteristics. By applying this technique we were able to assess the context of catchment properties like soil or topology along the streamflow length and the network geomorphology, giving indications of the spatial organization of a catchment. Moreover, this information and this technique have been implemented in an algorithm for automated sub-basin ascertainment, which included the definition of zones within the newly defined sub-basins. The objective was to provide sub-basins that were less heterogeneous than common separation schemes. The algorithm was applied to two parameters characterizing the topology and soil of four mid-European watersheds. Resulting partitions indicated a wide range of applicability for the method and the algorithm. Additionally, the intersection of derived zones for different catchment characteristics could give insights into sub-basin similarities. Finally, a HBV96 case study demonstrated the potential benefits of modelling with the new subdivision technique.
Highlights
Hydrological models are instruments for structuring the knowledge of hydrological processes in their dependence on watershed characteristics
In accordance with findings in the literature we could prove that additional information relevant to hydrological processes improves the model performance (Finger et al, 2015; Li et al, 2015) and, we can confirm that the spatial organization of catchment characteristics is relevant information
The intention of this study was to assess the spatial organization of catchments and their characteristics as well as to evaluate the benefit we can gain from this information for use in www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/21/4259/2017/
Summary
Hydrological models are instruments for structuring the knowledge of hydrological processes in their dependence on watershed characteristics. – Which spatial resolution of the model would be necessary and useful?. It is obvious that all of these options will affect the effort of the model and all choices have to consider the modelling purpose These choices are interrelated; for example, predominant soil properties define the dominant runoff process and should, define the used model. Conceptual models of a natural watershed require its subdivision into spatial units which should be as homogeneous as possible. Hydrological modelling is the attempt to specify hydrological processes quantitatively under consideration of boundary conditions. These boundary conditions are mainly determined by spatially heterogeneously distributed catchment characteristics.
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