Influence of spatial distribution of sensors and observation accuracy on the assimilation of distributed streamflow data in hydrological modelling. Issue 3 (17th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mazzoleni, Maurizio; Alfonso, Leonardo; Solomatine, Dimitri
• Is Part Of: Hydrological sciences journal. Volume 62:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 389
• Page End: 407
• Publication Date: 2017-02-17
• Subjects: Flood forecasting -- data assimilation -- sensor location -- observation accuracy -- hydrological modelling; Hydrology -- Periodicals; 551.4805
• DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2016.1247211
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0262-6667

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to assess the influence of sensor locations and varying observation accuracy on the assimilation of distributed streamflow observations, also taking into account different structures of semi-distributed hydrological models. An ensemble Kalman filter is used to update a semi-distributed hydrological model as a response to measured streamflow. Various scenarios of sensor locations and observation accuracy are introduced. The methodology is tested on the Brue basin during five flood events. The results of this work demonstrate that the assimilation of streamflow observations at interior points of the basin can improve the hydrological models according to the particular location of the sensors and hydrological model structure. It is also found that appropriate definition of the observation accuracy can affect model performance and consequent flood forecasting. These findings can be used as criteria to develop methods for streamflow monitoring network design.