Validation of the MGB-IPH hydrological model for flows simulation in paired watershed in minas gerais, Brazil.

Abstract

Simulating hydrological behavior makes it possible to analyze and predict water availability in river basins, anticipate potential events and carry out quantitative water balances using various scenarios. These scenarios arise from changes in land use and landscape over the years, the occurrence of extreme events and the effects of climate change. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Large Basin Hydrological Model (MGB-IPH) for representing rainfall-runoff in the paired watershed of the Piracicaba River and Piranga River in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, using the usual calibration and validation procedures. The results of the average statistical performance indices NASH, NASH-Log, BIAS, R², D and Dr showed that the model was able to simulate the seasonality of the watersheds and presented good adjustments, with a tendency to overerestimate the flow, but within acceptable limits. It is concluded that the model performed satisfactorily in its ability to simulate the hydrological behaviour of the Piracicaba River and Piranga River watersheds, despite its limitations and the lack of input data, making it an applicable tool in local contexts.