A distributed monthly hydrological model for integrating spatial variations of basin topography and rainfall

Hydrological models at a monthly time‐scale are important tools for hydrological analysis, such as in impact assessment of climate change and regional water resources planning. Traditionally, monthly models adopt a conceptual, lumped‐parameter approach and cannot account for spatial variations of basin characteristics and climatic inputs. A large requirement for data often severely limits the utility of physically based, distributed‐parameter models. Based on the variable‐source‐area concept, we considered basin topography and rainfall to be two major factors whose spatial variations play a dominant role in runoff generation and developed a monthly model that is able to account for their influences in the spatial and temporal dynamics of water balance. As a hybrid of the Xinanjiang model and TOPMODEL, the new model is constructed by innovatively making use of the highly acclaimed simulation techniques in the two existing models. A major contribution of this model development study is to adopt the technique of implicit representation of soil moisture characteristics in the Xinanjiang model and use the TOPMODEL concept to integrate terrain variations into runoff simulation. Specifically, the TOPMODEL topographic index ln(a/tanβ) is converted into an index of relative difficulty in runoff generation (IRDG) and then the cumulative frequency distribution of IRDG is used to substitute the parabolic curve, which represents the spatial variation of soil storage capacity in the Xinanjiang model. Digital elevation model data play a key role in the modelling procedures on a geographical information system platform, including basin segmentation, estimation of rainfall for each sub‐basin and computation of terrain characteristics. Other monthly data for model calibration and validation are rainfall, pan evaporation and runoff. The new model has only three parameters to be estimated, i.e. watershed‐average field capacity WM, pan coefficient η and runoff generation coefficient α. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that runoff is least sensitive to WM and, therefore, it can be determined by a prior estimation based on the climate and soil properties of the study basin. The other two parameters can be determined using optimization methods. Model testing was carried out in a number of nested sub‐basins of two watersheds (Yuanjiang River and Dongjiang River) in the humid region in central and southern China. Simulation results show that the model is capable of describing spatial and temporal variations of water balance components, including soil moisture content, evapotranspiration and runoff, over the watershed. With a minimal requirement for input data and parameterization, this terrain‐based distributed model is a valuable contribution to the ever‐advancing technology of hydrological modelling. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using TOPMODEL towards identifying and modelling the hydrological patterns within a headwater,humid, tropical catchment

Increasing pressure on the tropical environment requires a more thorough understanding of hydrological processes as part of reconciling the conflicting demands of economic development vis-à-vis sustainable land management. Using TOPMODEL, a physically based semi-distributed topohydrological model, we test its validity in modelling the stream flow dynamics (hydrograph) in a 1 ha tropical rainforest catchment in French Guiana. Another objective is through field validation of TOPMODEL to ascertain possible runoff generation mechanisms. The field validation of the temporal and spatial hydrodynamics across a rainfall–runoff event reveals that TOPMODEL may be suited for applications to this particular tropical rainforest environment; in fact, this is possibly the first successful application of such a model within the humid tropics. The main reasons why the model was successful are the presumed low hydraulic conductivities of the subsoil, coupled with the absence of an additional deep groundwater body, the contribution from which has caused difficulties in application of topographically, ‘physically’ based runoff models elsewhere in the humid tropics. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Towards the use of catchment geomorphology in flood frequency predictions

A further development of a topography-based model of catchment hydrology (TOPMODEL) is described and applied to the problem of predicting flood frequency characteristics. The model can simulate infiltration excess, saturation excess, and subsurface runoff contributions to peak flows. Catchment geomorphology plays a central role in predicting the nature of the hydrological response. Using stochastic rainfall and initial condition inputs based on measured data, the model satisfactorily reproduces the mean hourly flow flood frequency growth curve for the Wye catchment, but not the mean number of peaks greater than 3mm h^?1 each year. Suggestions for further improvements are made.     

The information content theory for the estimation of the topographic index distribution used in TOPMODEL

This paper analyses the significance of the entropy concept in the topography parameterization within the model TOPMODEL proposed by Beven and Kirkby (1979), by means of the hydrological behaviour of an experimental basin in southern Italy. For a significant number of flood events recorded at the basin outlet, the performance of TOPMODEL for different spatial distributions of the topographic index, ln(a/tan β), has been observed. Performance is related to the information content estimated as an entropy measure, corresponding to each of the spatial distributions of the topographic index, with the aim of identifying the procedures most suitable to represent the hydrological process of rainfall–runoff. The results obtained have shown that for flood events corresponding to brief, heavy precipitation, some procedures provide better performances than others. Moreover, these improvements are justified by greater information content in the corresponding spatial distributions of the topographic index. Finally, TOPMODEL performances for some procedures have been analysed, varying the resolution scale of the topographic index. For analogous hydrological performances, scale change produced variations in some of the subsurface hydraulic parameters. These variations were proportional to a spatial variability measure of the topographic index distribution, derived from the corresponding information content. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

TOPMODEL在珠江流域布柳河流域的应用及其与新安江模型的比较

TOPMODEL是一种以地形为基础的半分布式流域水文模型.对珠江流域布柳河流域的DEM信息进行处理,提取流域的水系、子流域边界、地形指数及水流路径距离的分布,将TOPMODEL应用于该流域中.另外将新安江模型也应用于该流域进行比较.此外,分析了两种模型结构差异所带来的模拟功能差异.两种模型模拟结果精度差异不大,而TOPMODEL实现了空间产流面积分布的可视化.     

Multi‐criterial validation of TOPMODEL in a mountainous catchment

The need for powerful validation methods for hydrological models including the evaluation of internal stages and spatially distributed simulations has often been emphasized. In this study a multi‐criterial validation scheme was used for validation of TOPMODEL, a conceptual semi‐distributed rainfall–runoff model. The objective was to test TOPMODEL's capability of adequately representing dominant hydrological processes by simple conceptual approaches. Validation methods differed in the type of data used, in their target and in mode. The model was applied in the humid and mountainous Brugga catchment (40 km²) in south‐west Germany. It was calibrated by a Monte Carlo method based on hourly runoff data. Additional information for validation was derived from a recession analysis, hydrograph separation with environmental tracers and from field surveys, including the mapping of saturated areas. Although runoff simulations were satisfying, inadequacies of the model structure compared with the real situation with regard to hydrological processes in the study area were found. These belong mainly to the concept of variable contributing areas for saturation excess overland flow and their dynamics, which were overestimated by the model. The simple TOPMODEL approach of two flow components was found to be insufficient. The multi‐criterial validation scheme enables not only to demonstrate limitations with regard to process representation, but also to specify where and why these limitations occur. It may serve as a valuable tool for the development of physically sound model modifications. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling the hydrological response of mediterranean catchments,Prades, Catalonia. The use of distributed models as aids to hypothesis formulation

This paper attempts to extend the physical arguments underlying the distributed TOPMODEL concepts in an application to the strongly seasonal contributing area responses in two adjacent small mediterranean catchments in the Prades region of Catalonia, Spain. A perceptual model of hydrological response in these catchments is used to suggest possible modifications of the model in a hypothesis testing framework, including an attempt to modify the topographic index approach to reflect the expansion of the effective area of subsurface flow during the wetting-up sequence. It is found that slight improvements in modelling efficiency are possible but that different model parameter distributions are appropriate for different parts of the record. The model was much more successful for the catchment producing the higher runoff volumes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analytical solution to a bias in the TOPMODEL framework balance

The increasing need for distributed hydrological modelling leads to an intense use of spatially distributed predictions of physically based models, such as TOPMODEL as addressed here. The ability of these models to reproduce the internal behaviour of catchments physically is increasingly tested through field experiments (geochemical investigation, distributed measurements network, etc.). This paper will show that, in the case of TOPMODEL, an implicit approximation remains in the classic derivation of the equations that consists in neglecting the surface of saturated areas with respect to the total surface of the catchment. This simplifying, though unnecessary, approximation leads to a systematic underestimation of the catchment water storage deficit and to divergence in the water budget accounting. This may also significantly change the predicted ratio between subsurface and surface water fluxes in the total discharge. An analytical solution is suggested that leads to water balance accounting which is better defined, and more consistent in comparison with field water storage recording. It is expected that this work will ensure more accurate TOPMODEL predictions, consistent with the assumptions of the model. This will then improve the interpretation of comparisons between results of simulation and field experiments. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Estimation of submarine groundwater discharge in the Il‐Gwang watershed using water budget analysis and 222Rn mass balance

Submarine groundwater discharges (SGD) were investigated in a marine watershed in south‐eastern Korea using water budget analysis and a ²²²Rn mass balance model. Multi‐layered TOPMODEL added hydrological assumption was used to estimate groundwater components in the water budget analysis. Field observations of soil moisture, rainfall, runoff and groundwater fluctuations were used for calibration and validation of the hydrologic model. Based on observed hydrological data and terrain analyses, parameters for the hydrologic model were delineated and used to describe several hydrologic responses in the watershed. SGD estimations by ²²²Rn mass balance method were also performed at Il‐Gwang bay in July, 2010, and May, June, July and Nov. 2011. The estimated groundwater through hydrologic modeling and water balance analysis was 1.3x10⁶ m³/year, which rapidly increased during typhoon season due to heavy rainfall and permeable geologic structure. The estimated groundwater was approximately 3.7–27.1% of SGD as evaluated by ²²²Rn mass balance method ranges 3.44 and 17.45 m³m^?2year^?1. Even though SGD is predominantly influenced by tide fluctuation, the head gradient (difference) from hydrologic processes associated with heavy rainfalls can also have extra significant influences. Comprehensive understanding of SGD evaluation can be improved through a simultaneous application of both these approaches. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Semi‐distributed flood runoff model at the subcontinental scale for southwestern Iran

Rainfall–runoff modelling, as a surface hydrological process, on large‐scale data‐poor basins is currently a major topic of investigation that requires the model parameters be identified by using basin physical characteristics rather than calibration. This paper describes the application of the TOPMODEL framework accompanied by a kinematic wave model to the Karun River sub‐basins in southwestern Iran with just one conceptual parameter for calibration. ISLSCP1, HYDRO1K and Reynolds data sets are presented in a geographical information system and used as data sources for meteorological information, hydrological features and soil characteristics of the study area respectively. The results show that although the model developed can adequately predict flood runoff in the catchment with only one calibrated parameter, it is suggested that the effect of surface reservoirs be considered in the proposed model. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of the catchment runoff coefficient on the performance of TOPMODEL in rainfall–runoff modelling

Effects of the catchment runoff coefficient on the performance of TOPMODEL in simulating catchment rainfall–runoff relationships are investigated in this paper, with an aim to improve TOPMODEL's simulation efficiency in catchments with a low runoff coefficient. Application of TOPMODEL in the semi‐arid Yihe catchment, with an area of 2623 km² in the Yellow River basin of China, produced a Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency of about 80%. To investigate how the catchment runoff coefficient affects the performance of TOPMODEL, the whole observed discharge series of the Yihe catchment is multiplied with a larger‐than‐unity scale factor to obtain an amplified discharge series. Then TOPMODEL is used to simulate the amplified discharge series given the original rainfall and evaporation data. For a set of different scale factors, TOPMODEL efficiency is plotted against the corresponding catchment runoff coefficient and it is found that the efficiency of TOPMODEL increases with the increasing catchment runoff coefficient before reaching a peak (e.g. about 90%); after the peak, however, the efficiency of TOPMODEL decreases with the increasing catchment runoff coefficient. Based on this finding, an approach called the discharge amplification method is proposed to enhance the simulation efficiency of TOPMODEL in rainfall–runoff modelling in catchments with a low runoff coefficient. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A MATLAB implementation of TOPMODEL

The MATLAB SIMULINK programming language is applied to the TOPMODEL rainfall–runoff model. SIMULINK requires a good recognition of model dynamics, which has been achieved here in a version based on the first TOPMODEL (Beven and Kirkby, 1979). Introducing the topographic index distribution in a vector form allows the generalization and simplification of the SIMULINK structure. The SIMULINK version of TOPMODEL has a very easy to understand graphical representation, which shows, in a straightforward way, all the physical interactions that take place in the model. Moreover, owing to its modular structure it is easy to add new and/or develop old submodels, depending on the available data and the goal of the modelling. In the example given here TOPMODEL was extended by two submodels representing the soil moisture and evaporation distribution in the catchment. Preparation of the data and presentation of the results is done in MATLAB. Discharge predictions and spatial patterns of hydrological response are demonstrated for a separate validation period. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Using integrated modelling to understand seasonal vegetation dynamics and its relationship to runoff generation

Vegetation dynamics and hydrological processes are major components of terrestrial ecosystems, and they interact strongly with each other. Studies of hydrological responses to vegetation dynamics are usually conducted on a long-term scale, whereas the hydrological responses within a single year have rarely been studied. In the present study, Poyang Lake runoff (PYL-R) model, a new hydrological model coupled with leaf area index (LAI) remote sensing products, was established and applied to simulate the runoff process in the Poyang Lake Watershed. The simulation results obtained in three sub-watersheds of the Poyang Lake Watershed (Ganjiang Watershed, Xinjiang Watershed, and Fuhe Watershed) agreed well with the observations (Nash efficiency coefficient values and R values exceeded 0.6 and 0.9, respectively). The PYL-R experiment (PYL-R-E) model was designed as a contrast model without considering the impact of LAI. The simulated monthly runoff results obtained using the PYL-R and PYL-R-E models were compared, and the within-year changes in the differences between the two results were analysed to evaluate and quantify the impact of vegetation dynamic on runoff. From January to July, when LAI values increased by around 2.6 m² m⁻², monthly runoff depth differences between PYL-R and PYL-R-E results increased by 35.25, 27.98, and 29.14 mm in the Ganjiang, Xinjiang, and Fuhe watersheds, respectively. Dense vegetation caused high interception and evapotranspiration during summer, which largely reduced runoff. By contrast, during winter, the effect of vegetation was weaker on runoff process whereas the impacts of other factors (e.g., precipitation) were higher. The sensitivity of monthly runoff to vegetation dynamics varied greatly throughout the whole year. In particular, during August and September, the LAI-caused runoff changes were very high, accounting for 28–42% of monthly runoff in the sub-watersheds. Our findings clarify the effects of changes in vegetation on hydrological processes over short time scales, thereby providing insights into the effects of scale on eco-hydrological processes.     

鄱阳湖流域径流模型

流域径流是鄱阳湖主要来水,建立鄱阳湖流域径流模型对揭示湖泊水量平衡及其受流域自然和人类活动的影响具有重要意义.针对鄱阳湖-流域系统的特点:流域面积大(16.22×104km2)、多条入湖河流、湖滨区坡面入湖径流等,研究了相应的模拟方法,建立了考虑流域土壤属性和土地利用空间变化的鄱阳湖流域分布式径流模型.采用6个水文站1991-2001年的实测河道径流对模型进行了率定和验证.结果显示,模型整体模拟精度较高.其中,赣江、信江和饶河均取得了较好的模拟结果,月效率系数为0.82-0.95;抚河和修水模拟精度略低,为0.65-0.78.模型揭示了研究时段内年平均入湖径流总量为1623×108m3,其中,赣江最多,占47%,其次为信江和抚河,分别占13%和12%,湖滨区坡面入湖径流约占4%,其余24%来自饶河、修水以及其它入湖支流.模型将用于评估流域下垫面或气候变化引起的入湖水量变化,为湖泊水量平衡计算提供依据.     

Sensitivity analysis of extended TOPMODEL for agricultural watersheds equipped with tile drains

An extension of TOPMODEL was developed for rainfall–runoff simulation in agricultural watersheds equipped with tile drains. Tile drain functions are incorporated into the framework of TOPMODEL. Nine possible flow generation scenarios are suggested for tile-drained watersheds and applied in the modelling procedure. In the model development, two methods of simulation of the flow in the unsaturated zone were compared: the traditional, physically based storage approach and a new approach using a transfer function. A regionalized sensitivity analysis was used to determine the sensitivity of parameters and to compare the behaviour of the transfer function with that of the simple storage-related formulation. The number of accepted combinations of parameter values, on average, was higher for the transfer function approach than when using a Monte Carlo method of parameter estimation. Since the rainfall–runoff response pattern tends to vary seasonally, seven events distributed throughout a year were used in the sensitivity analysis to investigate the seasonal variation of the hydrological characteristics. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A BTOP model to extend TOPMODEL for distributed hydrological simulation of large basins

Topography is a dominant factor in hillslope hydrology. TOPMODEL, which uses a topographical index derived from a simplified steady state assumption of mass balance and empirical equations of motion over a hillslope, has many advantages in this respect. Its use has been demonstrated in many small basins (catchment areas of the order of 2–500 km²) but not in large basins (catchment areas of the order of 10 000–100 000 km²). The objective of this paper is to introduce the Block‐wise TOPMODEL (BTOP) as an extension of the TOPMODEL concept in a grid based framework for distributed hydrological simulation of large river basins. This extension was made by redefining the topographical index by using an effective contributing area af(a) (0?f(a)?1) per unit grid cell area instead of the upstream catchment area per unit contour length and introducing a concept of mean groundwater travel distance. Further the transmissivity parameter T₀ was replaced by a groundwater dischargeability D which can provide a link between hill slope hydrology and macro hydrology. The BTOP model uses all the original TOPMODEL equations in their basic form. The BTOP model has been used as the core hydrological module of an integrated distributed hydrological model YHyM with advanced modules of precipitation, evapotranspiration, flow routing etc. Although the model has been successfully applied to many catchments around the world since 1999, there has not been a comprehensive theoretical basis presented in such applications. In this paper, an attempt is made to address this issue highlighted with an example application using the Mekong basin. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A test of TOPMODEL'a ability to predict spatially distributed groundwater levels

TOPMODEL was calibrated to a small catchment using precipitation and runoff data. Acceptable fits of simulated and observed runoff were obtained during both the calibration and validation periods. Predictions of groundwater levels using this calibration did not agree well with observations at the 37 points within the catchment where groundwater levels were measured, including three locations with continuous recordings. Groundwater level observations at one single point in time, however, sufficed to calibrate new topographic–soil indices that improved the prediction of the local groundwater levels at the observed tubes. This suggests that spatially distributed calibration data are necessary to exploit reliably TOPMODEL's ability to predict spatially distributed hydrology. The mean or recalibrated transmissivity values at these 37 points differed from the catchment mean as determined by the precipitation–runoff calibration. Thus, while groundwater information can help in predicting groundwater levels at specific locations, increasing the number of local groundwater level measurements is not sufficient to improve the spatially distributed representation of subsurface flow by TOPMODEL for the catchment as a whole, as long as the groundwater information is not integrated in the precipitation–runoff calibration. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of land-use/cover change on hydrological processes using a GIS/RS-based integrated hydrological model: case study of the East River,China

Abstract

An integrated model, combining a surface energy balance system, an LAI-based interception model and a distributed monthly water balance model, was developed to predict hydrological impacts of land-use/land-cover change (LUCC) in the East River basin, China, with the aid of GIS/RS. The integrated model is a distributed model that not only accounts for spatial variations in basin terrain, rainfall and soil moisture, but also considers spatial and temporal variation of vegetation cover and evapotranspiration (ET), in particular, thus providing a powerful tool for investigating the hydrological impact of LUCC. The model was constructed using spatial data on topography, soil types and vegetation characteristics together with time series of precipitation from 170 stations in the basin. The model was calibrated and validated based on river discharge data from three stations in the basin for 21 years. The calibration and validation results suggested that the model is suitable for application in the basin. The results show that ET has a positive relationship with LAI (leaf area index), while runoff has a negative relationship with LAI in the same climatic zone that can be described by the surface energy balance and water balance equation. It was found that deforestation would cause an increase in annual runoff and a decrease in annual ET in southern China. Monthly runoff for different land-cover types was found to be inversely related to ET. Also, for most of the scenarios, and particularly for grassland and cropland, the most significant changes occurred in the rainy season, indicating that deforestation would cause a significant increase in monthly runoff in that season in the East River basin. These results are important for water resources management and environmental change monitoring.

Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz     

A variable source area for groundwater evapotranspiration: impacts on modeling stream flow

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a crucial role in catchment water budgets, typically accounting for more than 50% of annual precipitation falling within temperate deciduous forests. Groundwater ET is a portion of total ET that occurs where plant roots extend to the capillary fringe above the phreatic surface or induce upward movement of water from the water table by hydraulic redistribution. Groundwater ET is spatially restricted to riparian zones or other areas where the groundwater is accessible to plants. Due to the difficulty in measuring groundwater ET, it is rarely incorporated explicitly into hydrological models. In this study, we calibrated Topographic Model (TOPMODEL) using a 14‐year hydrograph record and added a groundwater ET pathway to derive a new model, Groundwater Evapotranspiration TOPMODEL (GETTOP). We inspected groundwater elevations and stream flow hydrographs for evidence of groundwater ET, examined the relationship between groundwater ET and topography, and delineated the area where groundwater ET is likely to take place. The total groundwater ET flux was estimated using a hydrological model. Groundwater ET was larger where the topography was flat and the groundwater table was shallow, occurring within about 10% of the area in a headwater catchment and accounting for 6 to 18% of total annual ET. The addition of groundwater ET to GETTOP improved the simulation of stream discharge and more closely balanced the watershed water budget. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identifying storm flow pathways in a rainforest catchment using hydrological and geochemical modelling

The hydrological model TOPMODEL is used to assess the water balance and describe flow paths for the 9·73 ha Lutz Creek Catchment in Central Panama. Monte Carlo results are evaluated based on their fit to the observed hydrograph, catchment‐averaged soil moisture and stream chemistry. TOPMODEL, with a direct‐flow mechanism that is intended to route water through rapid shallow‐soil flow, matched observed chemistry and discharge better than the basic version of TOPMODEL and provided a reasonable fit to observed soil moisture and wet‐season discharge at both 15‐min and daily time‐steps. The improvement of simulations with the implementation of a direct‐flow component indicates that a storm flow path not represented in the original version of TOPMODEL plays a primary role in the response of Lutz Creek Catchment. This flow path may be consistent with the active and abundant pipeflow that is observed or delayed saturation overland flow. The ‘best‐accepted’ simulations from 1991 to 1997 indicate that around 41% of precipitation becomes direct flow and around 10% is saturation overland flow. Other field observations are needed to constrain evaporative and groundwater losses in the model and to characterize chemical end‐members posited in this paper. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.