Application of Satellite-Based and Observed Precipitation Datasets for Hydrological Simulation in the Upper Mahi River Basin of Rajasthan, India

Swatantra Kumar Dubey,Devesh Sharma,Dinesh Singh Bhati

doi:10.3390/su13147560

Swatantra Kumar Dubey, Devesh Sharma + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147560

Copy DOI

Abstract

Hydrological modeling is an important tool used for basin management and studying the impacts of extreme events in a river basin. In streamflow simulations, precipitation plays an essential role in hydrological models. Meteorological satellite precipitation measurement techniques provide highly accurate rainfall information with high spatial and temporal resolution. In this analysis, the tropical rainfall monitoring mission (TRMM) 3B42 V7 precipitation products were employed for simulating streamflow by using the soil water assessment tool (SWAT) model. With India Metrological Department and TRMM data, the SWAT model can be used to predict streamflow discharge and identify sensitive parameters for the Mahi basin. The SWAT model was calibrated for 2 years and then independently validated for 2 years by comparing observed and simulated streamflow. A strong correlation was observed between the calibration and validation results for the Paderdibadi station, with a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of >0.34 and coefficient of determination (R2) of >0.77. The SWAT model was used to adequately simulate the streamflow for the Upper Mahi basin with a satisfactory R2 value. The analysis indicated that TRMM 3B42 V7 is useful in SWAT applications for predicting streamflow and performance and for sensitivity analysis. In addition, satellite data may require correction before its utilization in hydrological modeling. This study is helpful for stakeholders in monitoring and managing agricultural, climatic, and environmental changes.

Highlights

Global precipitation information is crucial for forecasting weather, climate, flood, drought, and understanding hurricanes and other weather phenomenon [1]
Some bias was present in tropical rainfall monitoring mission (TRMM) data due to instrumental and computation errors
The highest rainfall was 593.40 and 504.71 mm during the calibration period according to the rain gauge and TRMM data, respectively

Summary

Introduction

Global precipitation information is crucial for forecasting weather, climate, flood, drought, and understanding hurricanes and other weather phenomenon [1]. High-resolution precipitation data are important for hydrological applications [3]. The basic understanding of the spatial and temporal changeability of hydrological variables are essential for human life on earth, and environmental problems are observed in the principal vital resource, that is, river water [4]. Quantification of hydrological cycle components is essential in the modeling process, and precipitation plays the main role in the hydrological process. The quantity of precipitation depth and volume is critical for estimating hazards and function of civil structures (e.g., reservoirs, dams, and bridges) and runoff models and resolving water-related problems (e.g., pollution, flooding, and drought) [5]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion