Comparison of SRM and SNOWMOD models using modis snow cover data for Bhagirathi river basin in the Himalayas

Abstract

Many North Indian perennial rivers originate from Himalayas. Glacier melt and seasonal snow melt are the major contributing factors for these rivers runoff at higher and middle altitudes. As these rivers flow through high altitudes and steep slopes, they have potential sites for hydropower generation. In the current study a snowmelt runoff simulation is carried out by using SNOWMOD and SRM models with the help of remote sensing and GIS techniques for the Bhagirathi river basin. These models require snow cover, maximum and minimum temperature, snow fall, rainfall and discharge data. For this purpose Bhagirathi river basin has been selected up to Bhojwasa. Total area of the basin is divided into 7 elevation zones, each of 500 m height using SRTM DEM and snow cover area for each elevation zone is derived from MODIS10A2 snow cover products during the snow melt season over the two years. The snow melt model parameters lapse rate and critical temperatures are estimated using observatories located in the basin. The study reveals that glacier and snow melt form the major contribution to the discharge of the Bhagirathi river, measured at Bhojwasa. The overall efficiency of the SRM and SNOWMOD are compared.