Autor: Dr. Cristina Prieto (IHCantabria)

Advances in hydrological model predictions and model identification in ungauged catchments.

Abstract:

Predictions of streamflow and available water resources are important scientifically and operationally. Such predictions are typically obtained using hydrological models of varying degrees of complexity. Scientifically, models help to understand and communicate catchments functioning and internal process dynamics. Operationally, hydrological models are used to manage water resources (including designing mitigation measures in anticipation of projected changes in the environment, e.g., due to changes in climate and/or land use), to implement flood early warning systems, and to help design and manage hydraulic structures, among others. Hydrological modeling of ungauged catchments, which lack observed streamflow data, is an important practical goal in hydrological sciences. A major challenge is to identify a model structure that reflects the hydrological processes relevant to the catchment of interest.