Classifying the flow regimes of Mediterranean streams using multivariate analysis

Rivers in the Mediterranean region often exhibit an intermittent character. An understanding and classification of the flow regimes of these rivers is needed, as flow patterns control both physicochemical and biological processes. This paper reports an attempt to classify flow regimes in Mediterranean rivers based on hydrological variables extracted from discharge time series. Long‐term discharge records from 60 rivers within the Mediterranean region were analysed in order to classify the streams into different flow regime groups. Hydrological indices (HIs) were derived for each stream and principal component analysis (PCA) and then applied to these indices to identify subsets of HIs describing the major sources of variations, while simultaneously minimizing redundancy. PCA was performed for two groups of streams (perennial and temporary) and for all streams combined. The results show that whereas perennial streams are mainly described by high‐flow indices, temporary streams are described by duration, variability and predictability indices. Agglomerative cluster analysis based on HIs identified six groups of rivers classified according to differences in intermittency and variability. A methodology allowing such a classification for ungauged catchments was also tested. Broad‐scale catchment characteristics based on digital elevation, climate, soil and land use data were derived for each long‐term station where these data were available. By using stepwise multiple regression analysis, statistically significant relationships were fitted, linking the three selected hydrological variables (mean annual number of zero‐flow days, predictability and flashiness) to the catchment characteristics. The method provides a means of simplifying the complexity of river systems and is thus useful for river basin management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

SWAT manual calibration and parameters sensitivity analysis in a semi-arid watershed in North-western Morocco

Being a laborious approach, manual calibration of hydrologic model in a semi-arid context requires in-depth knowledge of the watershed and as much as possible field input data to obtain reliable simulations. In this study, manual calibration and relative sensitivity analysis approaches of the SWAT model (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) were applied for water balance in a 1993 km² watershed (on the R’dom river) located in North-western Morocco. The watershed is located in a semi-arid area dominated by agro-forestry activities. The objectives of this study were (i) to perform a local sensitivity analysis of the SWAT model taking into consideration the watershed characteristics and (ii) to implement a detailed methodology of manual calibration and validation of the model in a semi-arid context. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out on 12 different SWAT input parameters, and has revealed that 4 input parameters only were the most influential ones on flow components of the R’dom watershed. Model manual calibration was conducted along 2006 and 2007 by comparing measured and predicted monthly and daily discharges and taking Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (NSE), determination coefficient (R ²), and percent bias (PBIAS) as goodness-of-fit indicators. Validation has been performed by the same approach through 2008 and 2009 period. All final NSE values were above 0.5, R ² values exceeded 0.7, and PBIAS lower than 25% demonstrating satisfactory model performances over the study watershed conditions. The SWAT model set-up with measured input data, manually calibrated and validated, reflects well the real hydrologic processes occurring in the R’dom watershed and can be used to assess current and future conditions and to evaluate alternative management practices.     

Apport de la gravimétrie à l’étude des structures effondrées du Nord-Est de la Tunisie: implications hydrogéologiques

Résumé

Cette étude basée sur l’analyse des données gravimétriques a pour but d’améliorer la connaissance des structures effondrées du Nord-Est de la Tunisie. La carte de l’anomalie résiduelle a d’abord été calculée à partir de la carte de l’anomalie de Bouguer en enlevant un gradient régional. La résiduelle calculée fournit des informations sur la variation de la densité dans les bassins sédimentaires de l’Oued Chafrou-Khlidia, de Mornag et de Grombalia. Afin de mettre en évidence les différentes structures géologiques (failles, bassins, etc.) dans le secteur d’étude, différentes techniques (gradient vertical, gradient horizontal, prolongement vers le haut, déconvolution d’Euler) ont été appliquées à la carte gravimétrique des structures effondrées du Nord-Est de la Tunisie. Les résultats obtenus ont permis de dresser une carte structurale présentant le système de failles responsable de la structuration de la zone d’étude. Cette carte constitue un document très utile pour orienter les recherches hydrogéologiques futures qui seront menées dans ces plaines.

Editeur Z.W. Kundzewicz

Citation Ouerghi, S., Rebai, N., Gabtni, H., Farhat, B., et Bouaziz, S., 2013. Apport de la gravimétrie à l’étude des structures effondrées du Nord-Est de la Tunisie: implications hydrogéologiques. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (6), 1361–1373.