Improving process representation in conceptual hydrological model calibration using climate simulations. Issue 6 (20th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Minville, Marie; Cartier, Dominique; Guay, Catherine; Leclaire, Louis‐Alexandre; Audet, Charles; Le Digabel, Sébastien; Merleau, James
• Is Part Of: Water resources research. Volume 50:Issue 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 5044
• Page End: 5073
• Publication Date: 2014-06-20
• Subjects: Hydrology -- Periodicals; 333.91
• DOI: 10.1002/2013WR013857
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1397

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Different sets of calibrated model parameters can yield divergent hydrological simulations which in turn can lead to different operational decisions or scientific conclusions. In order to obtain reliable hydrological results, proper calibration is therefore fundamental. This article proposes a new calibration approach for conceptual hydrological models based on the paradigm that hydrological process representation, along with the reproduction of observed streamflows, need to be taken into account when assessing the performance of a hydrological model. Several studies have shown that complementary data can be used to improve hydrological process representation and make hydrological modeling more robust. In the current study, the process of interest is actual evapotranspiration (AET). In order to obtain a more realistic representation of AET, meteorological variables and the AET mean annual cycle simulated by a regional climate model (RCM) driven by reanalysis are used to impose constraints during the optimization procedure. This calibration strategy is compared to a second strategy which relies on AET derived from reference data and to the classical approach based solely on the reproduction of observed discharges. The different methodologies are applied to calibrate the lumped conceptual model HSAMI, used operationally at Hydro‐Québec, for six Canadian snow‐dominated basins with various hydrometeorological and physiographical characteristics.</p> </abstract>