Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco
This research evaluates the applicability of different types of hydrological models to simulate discharge behavior scenarios in a northern Moroccan watershed, Oued Laou Watershed (OLW). In this context, an improved understanding of the runoff mechanisms through hydrological modeling of the OLW can a...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Water |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/3/447 |
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| author | Mourad Aqnouy Mohamed Ahmed Gebiaw T. Ayele Ismail Bouizrou Abdelmounim Bouadila Jamal Eddine Stitou El Messari |
| author_facet | Mourad Aqnouy Mohamed Ahmed Gebiaw T. Ayele Ismail Bouizrou Abdelmounim Bouadila Jamal Eddine Stitou El Messari |
| author_sort | Mourad Aqnouy |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This research evaluates the applicability of different types of hydrological models to simulate discharge behavior scenarios in a northern Moroccan watershed, Oued Laou Watershed (OLW). In this context, an improved understanding of the runoff mechanisms through hydrological modeling of the OLW can assist in the hazard risk management and facilitate the effective planning of water resources. For that end, a multitude of hydrological models were used to perform a very efficient modelling, and a comparative approach was adopted. Comparison of the models allowed the determination of potential sources of uncertainty in hydrological modelling of a subhumid watershed. Three models (ATelier Hydrologique Spatialisé (ATHYS), Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)) with different characteristics were employed for a continuous modelling approach. The models were calibrated and validated using observed daily rainfall and streamflow data for 4 years (2004–2008) and 3 years (2009–2011), respectively. The multi-criteria model comparison (R², NSE, RSR, and PBIAS) showed that all three models are capable of reproducing the observed flows. The SWAT model performed well over both periods (NSE = 0.76 for calibration), with an improvement in validation (NSE = 0.84). A good agreement was also observed in the HEC-HMS model outputs, with an approximately stable NSE of 0.77 and 0.78 for calibration and validation phases, respectively. The ATHYS model showed a NSE value of 0.67 during the calibration, with a decrease of 0.06 towards the validation period. The other performance criteria confirmed these findings. Additionally, results suggest that semi-distributed and conceptual hydrological models are particularly suitable for the OLW given their physical heterogeneity. Generally, the integration of these models may be suitable for water resources assessment in OLW. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T09:20:37Z |
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| issn | 2073-4441 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T09:20:37Z |
| publishDate | 2023-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Water |
| spelling | doaj.art-e9e47be82f324ded989ce7d16c766eb92023-11-16T18:22:46ZengMDPI AGWater2073-44412023-01-0115344710.3390/w15030447Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern MoroccoMourad Aqnouy0Mohamed Ahmed1Gebiaw T. Ayele2Ismail Bouizrou3Abdelmounim Bouadila4Jamal Eddine Stitou El Messari5Applied Geology Research Laboratory, Applied Geology and Remote Sensing Research Team, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Moulay Ismaïl University of Meknes, Boutalamine, P.O. Box 509, Errachidia 52000, MoroccoDepartment of Physical and Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University—Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USAAustralian Rivers Institute and School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Nathan 4111, AustraliaFunctional Ecology and Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, MoroccoFunctional Ecology and Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, P.O. Box 2202, Fez 30000, MoroccoFaculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan P.O. Box 416, MoroccoThis research evaluates the applicability of different types of hydrological models to simulate discharge behavior scenarios in a northern Moroccan watershed, Oued Laou Watershed (OLW). In this context, an improved understanding of the runoff mechanisms through hydrological modeling of the OLW can assist in the hazard risk management and facilitate the effective planning of water resources. For that end, a multitude of hydrological models were used to perform a very efficient modelling, and a comparative approach was adopted. Comparison of the models allowed the determination of potential sources of uncertainty in hydrological modelling of a subhumid watershed. Three models (ATelier Hydrologique Spatialisé (ATHYS), Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS), and Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)) with different characteristics were employed for a continuous modelling approach. The models were calibrated and validated using observed daily rainfall and streamflow data for 4 years (2004–2008) and 3 years (2009–2011), respectively. The multi-criteria model comparison (R², NSE, RSR, and PBIAS) showed that all three models are capable of reproducing the observed flows. The SWAT model performed well over both periods (NSE = 0.76 for calibration), with an improvement in validation (NSE = 0.84). A good agreement was also observed in the HEC-HMS model outputs, with an approximately stable NSE of 0.77 and 0.78 for calibration and validation phases, respectively. The ATHYS model showed a NSE value of 0.67 during the calibration, with a decrease of 0.06 towards the validation period. The other performance criteria confirmed these findings. Additionally, results suggest that semi-distributed and conceptual hydrological models are particularly suitable for the OLW given their physical heterogeneity. Generally, the integration of these models may be suitable for water resources assessment in OLW.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/3/447SWATHEC-HMSATHYSOued Laou WatershedMorocco |
| spellingShingle | Mourad Aqnouy Mohamed Ahmed Gebiaw T. Ayele Ismail Bouizrou Abdelmounim Bouadila Jamal Eddine Stitou El Messari Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco Water SWAT HEC-HMS ATHYS Oued Laou Watershed Morocco |
| title | Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco |
| title_full | Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco |
| title_fullStr | Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco |
| title_full_unstemmed | Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco |
| title_short | Comparison of Hydrological Platforms in Assessing Rainfall-Runoff Behavior in a Mediterranean Watershed of Northern Morocco |
| title_sort | comparison of hydrological platforms in assessing rainfall runoff behavior in a mediterranean watershed of northern morocco |
| topic | SWAT HEC-HMS ATHYS Oued Laou Watershed Morocco |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/15/3/447 |
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