Comparación de las predicciones de dos modelos hidrológicos distribuidos simulando una cuenca de tamaño medio

Abstract

This study focused on the hydrological modelling of a medium sized catchment, located in Belgium, through the application of the distributed physically based codes MIKE SHE (commercial license) and SHETRAN (free license) to evaluate the similarity of their respective predictions. This research represents the first comparison of the superficial and subterranean predictions of both distributed codes simulating a complex surface and underground system. The respective distributed models were calibrated and validated considering a single modelling protocol and using observed discharges at the outlet of the catchment and piezometric levels at 12 wells. Moreover, model predictions were evaluated through a Multi-site test considering 2 internal discharge stations and 6 piezometers that were not considered during model calibration. The study suggests that flow predictions of the two models are quite similar. The overall quality of the piezometric predictions by both models is also quite comparable. However, the individual piezometric simulations at the observation wells are different. The latter seems to be a direct consequence of the differences of the two codes in terms of the vertical representation of the soils and the lithology of the basin. The research suggests that the quality of the predictions of both models is quite similar and is acceptable with a resolution of 600 x 600 m2, which significantly stimulates the use of SHETRAN (free license) for carrying out studies on the integral simulation of the hydrology of a catchment. In this context, it would be useful in the future to develop auxiliary tools for the processing of input and output data that facilitates the use of SHETRAN.