An automatic tool for reconstructing monthly time-series of hydro-climatic variables at ungauged basins. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pumo, D.; Lo Conti, F.; Viola, F.; Noto, L.V.
• Is Part Of: Environmental modelling & software. Volume 95(2017)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 400
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: GIS -- Monthly time-series -- Rainfall-runoff model -- Thornthwaite method -- Water balance model -- MODIS; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Computer simulation -- Periodicals; Digital computer simulation -- Periodicals; Computer software -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Computer Simulation -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Logiciels -- Périodiques; Écologie -- Simulation, Méthodes de -- Périodiques; Simulation par ordinateur -- Périodiques; Logiciels -- Périodiques; Computer software; Digital computer simulation; Ecology -- Computer simulation; Environmental monitoring -- Computer programs; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70015118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2017.06.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1364-8152

Abstract

Abstract: Integrative information models for filling/reconstructing hydro-climatic time-series are required for a variety of practical applications. A GIS-based model for a rapid and reliable assessment of monthly time-series of several key hydro-climatic variables at the basin scale, is here developed as plug-in and applied to the entire region of Sicily (Italy). The plug-in, once the desired basin outlet section and time-window are selected, uses appropriate spatial techniques and algorithms to identify its drainage area and estimate the corresponding mean areal rainfall and temperatures time-series. A recent regional regressive rainfall-runoff model is successively applied for the assessment of the runoff time-series. Finally, a consolidated temperature-based method is applied to estimate monthly potential evapotranspiration time-series, while, actual evapotranspiration and soil moisture storage time-series are derived through a classical water balance model. The tool, supported by a preliminarily developed database, includes automatic procedures for data retrieving and processing and a user friendly interface. Highlights: TriMoTiS is a QGiS plug-in for the reconstruction of key hydroclimatic time-series. It provides rapid and reliable mean monthly estimates at any basin of a region. Tests show high model accuracy in both rainfall and runoff assessment. Estimates of evapotranspiration by TriMoTiS are coherent with MODIS estimates. Water balance on secular simulations shows a satisfactory closure.