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Process‐oriented catchment modelling and multiple‐response validation
Author(s) -
Uhlenbrook S.,
Leibundgut Ch.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
hydrological processes
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.222
H-Index - 161
eISSN - 1099-1085
pISSN - 0885-6087
DOI - 10.1002/hyp.330
Subject(s) - surface runoff , tracer , hydrology (agriculture) , environmental science , runoff model , structural basin , drainage basin , runoff curve number , hydrological modelling , process (computing) , computer science , geology , cartography , climatology , geography , geotechnical engineering , geomorphology , ecology , physics , nuclear physics , biology , operating system
The conceptual rainfall runoff model TAC (tracer‐aided catchment model) has been developed based on the experimental results of tracer hydrological investigations at the mountainous Brugga and Zastler basins (40 and 18·4 km 2 ). The model contains a physically realistic description of the runoff generation, which includes seven unit types each with characteristic dominating runoff generation processes. These processes are conceptualized by different linear and non‐linear reservoir concepts. The model is applied to a period of 3·2 years on a daily time step with good success. In addition, an extensive model validation procedure was executed. Therefore, additional information (i.e. runoff in subbasins and a neighbouring basin, tracer concentrations and calculated runoff components) was used besides the simulated discharge of the basin investigated. This study shows the potential of tracer data for hydrological modelling. On the one hand, they are good tools to investigate the runoff generation processes. This is the basis for developing more realistic conceptualizations of the runoff generation routine. On the other hand, tracer data can serve as multi‐response data to assess and validate a model. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.