Prediction of daily streamflow using artificial neural networks (ANNs), wavelet neural networks (WNNs), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models

In recent years, the prediction of hydrological processes for the sustainable use of water resources has been a focus of research by scientists in the field of hydrology and water resources. Therefore, in this study, the prediction of daily streamflow using the artificial neural network (ANN), wavelet neural network (WNN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models were taken into account to develop the efficiency and accuracy of the models' performances, compare their results and explain their outcomes for future study or use in hydrological processes. To validate the performance of the models, 70% (1996–2007) of the data were used to train them and 30% (2008–2011) of the data were used to test them. The estimated results of the models were evaluated by the root mean square error (RMSE), determination coefficient (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe (NS), and RMSE-observation standard deviation ratio (RSR) evaluation indexes. Although the outcomes of the models were comparable, the WNN model with RMSE = 0.700, R2 = 0.971, NS = 0.927, and RSR = 0.270 demonstrated the best performance compared to the ANN and ANFIS models.