The Improved Reservoir Module of SWAT Model with a Dispatch Function and Its Application on Assessing the Impact of Climate Change and Human Activities on Runoff Change

Abstract

Climate change and human activities significantly impact the hydrological cycle, particularly in regions with numerous large-scale reservoirs. Recognizing the limitations of the reservoir module in the original SWAT model, this study presents an improved reservoir module based on a dispatch function to enhance runoff simulation. Its performance is validated by simulating daily runoff in the Jinsha River Basin, China. The scenario simulation approach is employed to quantitatively analyze the influences of climate change and human activities on runoff. And downscaled Global Climate Models (GCMs) are utilized to predict runoff for the next three decades. The results show that (1) the improved SWAT model outperforms the original model in runoff simulation; (2) during the test period, reservoir regulations caused a reduction of 26 m3/s in basin outlet runoff, while climate change led to an increase of 272 m3/s; and (3) future changes in basin outlet runoff over the next 30 years exhibit a high level of uncertainty, ranging from −5.6% to +11.0% compared to the base period. This study provides valuable insights into the hydrological impacts of climate change and human activities, highlighting the importance of incorporating an improved reservoir module in hydrological modeling for more accurate predictions and assessments.