Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff model

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a key role in hydrological impact studies and operational flood forecasting models as ET represents a loss of water from a catchment. <br><br> Although ET is a major component of the catchment water balance, the evapotranspiration input for rainfall–runoff m...

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Main Authors: B. Samain, V. R. N. Pauwels
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2013-11-01
Series:Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
Online Access:http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/17/4525/2013/hess-17-4525-2013.pdf
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author B. Samain
V. R. N. Pauwels
author_facet B. Samain
V. R. N. Pauwels
author_sort B. Samain
collection DOAJ
description Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a key role in hydrological impact studies and operational flood forecasting models as ET represents a loss of water from a catchment. <br><br> Although ET is a major component of the catchment water balance, the evapotranspiration input for rainfall–runoff models is often simplified in contrast to the detailed estimates of catchment averaged precipitation. <br><br> In this study, an existing conceptual rainfall–runoff model calibrated for and operational in the Bellebeek catchment in Belgium firstly has been validated and its sensitivity to different available potential ET input has been studied. It has been shown that when applying a calibrated rainfall–runoff model, the model input should be consistent with the input used for the calibration process, not only on the volume of ET, but also on the seasonal pattern. Secondly, estimates of the actual evapotranspiration based on measurements of a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) have been used as model forcing in the rainfall–runoff model. From this analysis, it has been shown that the actual evapotranspiration is a crucial factor in simulating the catchment water balance and the resulting stream flow. <br><br> Regarding the actual evapotranspiration estimates from the LAS, it has been concluded that they can be considered realistic in summer months. In the months where stable conditions prevail (autumn, winter and (early) spring), an underestimation of the actual evapotranspiration is made, which has an important impact on the catchment's water balance.
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spelling doaj.art-80c806a5fc3b46a280edc7ae7f77b4bd2022-12-21T18:14:40ZengCopernicus PublicationsHydrology and Earth System Sciences1027-56061607-79382013-11-0117114525454010.5194/hess-17-4525-2013Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff modelB. Samain0V. R. N. Pauwels1Provincie Oost-Vlaanderen – Department of Integrated Water Management, Ghent, BelgiumDepartment of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, AustraliaEvapotranspiration (ET) plays a key role in hydrological impact studies and operational flood forecasting models as ET represents a loss of water from a catchment. <br><br> Although ET is a major component of the catchment water balance, the evapotranspiration input for rainfall–runoff models is often simplified in contrast to the detailed estimates of catchment averaged precipitation. <br><br> In this study, an existing conceptual rainfall–runoff model calibrated for and operational in the Bellebeek catchment in Belgium firstly has been validated and its sensitivity to different available potential ET input has been studied. It has been shown that when applying a calibrated rainfall–runoff model, the model input should be consistent with the input used for the calibration process, not only on the volume of ET, but also on the seasonal pattern. Secondly, estimates of the actual evapotranspiration based on measurements of a large aperture scintillometer (LAS) have been used as model forcing in the rainfall–runoff model. From this analysis, it has been shown that the actual evapotranspiration is a crucial factor in simulating the catchment water balance and the resulting stream flow. <br><br> Regarding the actual evapotranspiration estimates from the LAS, it has been concluded that they can be considered realistic in summer months. In the months where stable conditions prevail (autumn, winter and (early) spring), an underestimation of the actual evapotranspiration is made, which has an important impact on the catchment's water balance.http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/17/4525/2013/hess-17-4525-2013.pdf
spellingShingle B. Samain
V. R. N. Pauwels
Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff model
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
title Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff model
title_full Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff model
title_fullStr Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff model
title_full_unstemmed Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff model
title_short Impact of potential and (scintillometer-based) actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall–runoff model
title_sort impact of potential and scintillometer based actual evapotranspiration estimates on the performance of a lumped rainfall runoff model
url http://www.hydrol-earth-syst-sci.net/17/4525/2013/hess-17-4525-2013.pdf
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