Articles | Volume 22, issue 6
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3493–3513, 2018
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-3493-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3493–3513, 2018
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-3493-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article 28 Jun 2018
Research article | 28 Jun 2018
The temporally varying roles of rainfall, snowmelt and soil moisture for debris flow initiation in a snow-dominated system
Karin Mostbauer et al.
Related authors
No articles found.
Markus Hrachowitz, Michael Stockinger, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Ruud van der Ent, Heye Bogena, Andreas Lücke, and Christine Stumpp
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4887–4915, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4887-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4887-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Deforestation affects how catchments store and release water. Here we found that deforestation in the study catchment led to a 20 % increase in mean runoff, while reducing the vegetation-accessible water storage from about 258 to 101 mm. As a consequence, fractions of young water in the stream increased by up to 25 % during wet periods. This implies that water and solutes are more rapidly routed to the stream, which can, after contamination, lead to increased contaminant peak concentrations.
Judith Uwihirwe, Markus Hrachowitz, and Thom Bogaard
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2021-222, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2021-222, 2021
Preprint under review for NHESS
Short summary
Short summary
This research tested the value of regional groundwater level information to improve landslide predictions with empirical models based on the concept of threshold levels. In contrast to precipitation based thresholds, the results indicated that relying on threshold models exclusively defined using hydrological variables such as groundwater levels can lead to improved landslide predictions due to their implicit consideration of long-term antecedent conditions until the day of landslide occurrence.
Fransje van Oorschot, Ruud J. van der Ent, Markus Hrachowitz, and Andrea Alessandri
Earth Syst. Dynam., 12, 725–743, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-12-725-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/esd-12-725-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The roots of vegetation largely control the Earth's water cycle by transporting water from the subsurface to the atmosphere but are not adequately represented in land surface models, causing uncertainties in modeled water fluxes. We replaced the root parameters in an existing model with more realistic ones that account for a climate control on root development and found improved timing of modeled river discharge. Further extension of our approach could improve modeled water fluxes globally.
Sarah Hanus, Markus Hrachowitz, Harry Zekollari, Gerrit Schoups, Miren Vizcaino, and Roland Kaitna
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3429–3453, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3429-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3429-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the effects of climate change on runoff patterns in six Alpine catchments in Austria at the end of the 21st century. Our results indicate a substantial shift to earlier occurrences in annual maximum and minimum flows in high-elevation catchments. Magnitudes of annual extremes are projected to increase under a moderate emission scenario in all catchments. Changes are generally more pronounced for high-elevation catchments.
Elisa Ragno, Markus Hrachowitz, and Oswaldo Morales-Nápoles
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-229, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-229, 2021
Revised manuscript under review for HESS
Short summary
Short summary
We explore the ability of Non-Parametric Bayesian Networks to reproduce monthly maximum river discharge events in a catchment when the remaining hydro-meteorological and catchment attributes are known. We show that a saturated network evaluated in an individual catchment can reproduce statistical characteristics of discharge in about ~40 % of the cases, while challenges remain when a saturated network evaluated considering all the catchment together is considered.
Laurène J. E. Bouaziz, Emma E. Aalbers, Albrecht H. Weerts, Mark Hegnauer, Hendrik Buiteveld, Rita Lammersen, Jasper Stam, Eric Sprokkereef, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-204, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-204, 2021
Revised manuscript under review for HESS
Short summary
Short summary
Assuming stationarity of hydrological systems may no longer apply if we consider land-use and climate change. We propose an approach to estimate how vegetation adapts its root-zone storage capacity at the catchment scale in response to changes in land use and hydro-climatic variables. We implement non-stationarity in the root-zone storage capacity and quantify a 34 % increase of this parameter under +2 K global warming leading to a 7 % decrease of streamflow, compared to a stationary system.
Artemis Roodari, Markus Hrachowitz, Farzad Hassanpour, and Mostafa Yaghoobzadeh
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1943–1967, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1943-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1943-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In a combined data analysis and modeling study in the transboundary Helmand River basin, we analyzed spatial patterns of drought and changes therein based on the drought indices as well as on absolute water deficits. Overall the results illustrate that flow deficits and the associated droughts clearly reflect the dynamic interplay between temporally varying regional differences in hydro-meteorological variables together with subtle and temporally varying effects linked to human intervention.
Laurène J. E. Bouaziz, Fabrizio Fenicia, Guillaume Thirel, Tanja de Boer-Euser, Joost Buitink, Claudia C. Brauer, Jan De Niel, Benjamin J. Dewals, Gilles Drogue, Benjamin Grelier, Lieke A. Melsen, Sotirios Moustakas, Jiri Nossent, Fernando Pereira, Eric Sprokkereef, Jasper Stam, Albrecht H. Weerts, Patrick Willems, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1069–1095, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1069-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1069-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We quantify the differences in internal states and fluxes of 12 process-based models with similar streamflow performance and assess their plausibility using remotely sensed estimates of evaporation, snow cover, soil moisture and total storage anomalies. The dissimilarities in internal process representation imply that these models cannot all simultaneously be close to reality. Therefore, we invite modelers to evaluate their models using multiple variables and to rely on multi-model studies.
Petra Hulsman, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 957–982, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-957-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-957-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Satellite observations have increasingly been used for model calibration, while model structural developments largely rely on discharge data. For large river basins, this often results in poor representations of system internal processes. This study explores the combined use of satellite-based evaporation and total water storage data for model structural improvement and spatial–temporal model calibration for a large, semi-arid and data-scarce river system.
Ralf Loritz, Markus Hrachowitz, Malte Neuper, and Erwin Zehe
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 147–167, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-147-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-147-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the role and value of distributed rainfall in the runoff generation of a mesoscale catchment. We compare the performance of different hydrological models at different periods and show that a distributed model driven by distributed rainfall yields improved performances only during certain periods. We then step beyond this finding and develop a spatially adaptive model that is capable of dynamically adjusting its spatial model structure in time.
Petra Hulsman, Hessel C. Winsemius, Claire I. Michailovsky, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 3331–3359, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3331-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-3331-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
In the absence of discharge data in ungauged basins, remotely sensed river water level data, i.e. altimetry, may provide valuable information to calibrate hydrological models. This study illustrated that for large rivers in data-scarce regions, river altimetry data from multiple locations combined with GRACE data have the potential to fill this gap when combined with estimates of the river geometry, thereby allowing a step towards more reliable hydrological modelling in data-scarce regions.
Hongkai Gao, Christian Birkel, Markus Hrachowitz, Doerthe Tetzlaff, Chris Soulsby, and Hubert H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 787–809, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-787-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-787-2019, 2019
Short summary
Short summary
Supported by large-sample ecological observations, a novel, simple and topography-driven runoff generation module (HSC-MCT) was created. The HSC-MCT is calibration-free, and therefore it can be used to predict in ungauged basins, and has great potential to be generalized at the global scale. Also, it allows us to reproduce the variation of saturation areas, which has great potential to be used for broader hydrological, ecological, climatological, and biogeochemical studies.
Laurène Bouaziz, Albrecht Weerts, Jaap Schellekens, Eric Sprokkereef, Jasper Stam, Hubert Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 6415–6434, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6415-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-6415-2018, 2018
Short summary
Short summary
We quantify net intercatchment groundwater flows in the Meuse basin in a complementary three-step approach through (1) water budget accounting, (2) testing a set of conceptual hydrological models and (3) evaluating against remote sensing actual evaporation data. We show that net intercatchment groundwater flows can make up as much as 25 % of mean annual precipitation in the headwaters and should therefore be accounted for in conceptual models to prevent overestimating actual evaporation rates.
Markus Hrachowitz and Martyn P. Clark
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3953–3973, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3953-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3953-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
Physically based and conceptual models in hydrology are the two endpoints in the spectrum of modelling strategies, mostly differing in their degree of detail in resolving the model domain. Given the limitations both modelling strategies face, we believe that to achieve progress in hydrological modelling, a convergence of these methods is necessary. This would allow us to exploit the respective advantages of the bottom-up and top-down models while limiting their respective uncertainties.
Catchments as meta-organisms – a new blueprint for hydrological modelling
Hubert H. G. Savenije and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 1107–1116, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1107-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1107-2017, 2017
Short summary
Short summary
The natural environment that we live in is the result of evolution. This does not only apply to ecosystems, but also to the physical environment through which the water flows. This has resulted in the formation of flow patterns that obey sometimes surprisingly simple mathematical laws. Hydrological models should represent the physics of these patterns and should account for the fact that the ecosystem adjusts itself continuously to changing circumstances. Physics-based models are alive!
Remko Nijzink, Christopher Hutton, Ilias Pechlivanidis, René Capell, Berit Arheimer, Jim Freer, Dawei Han, Thorsten Wagener, Kevin McGuire, Hubert Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 4775–4799, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4775-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4775-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The core component of many hydrological systems, the moisture storage capacity available to vegetation, is typically treated as a calibration parameter in hydrological models and often considered to remain constant in time. In this paper we test the potential of a recently introduced method to robustly estimate catchment-scale root-zone storage capacities exclusively based on climate data to reproduce the temporal evolution of root-zone storage under change (deforestation).
Remko C. Nijzink, Luis Samaniego, Juliane Mai, Rohini Kumar, Stephan Thober, Matthias Zink, David Schäfer, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20, 1151–1176, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1151-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1151-2016, 2016
Short summary
Short summary
The heterogeneity of landscapes in river basins strongly affects the hydrological response. In this study, the distributed mesoscale Hydrologic Model (mHM) was equipped with additional processes identified by landscapes within one modelling cell. Seven study catchments across Europe were selected to test the value of this additional sub-grid heterogeneity. In addition, the models were constrained based on expert knowledge. Generally, the modifications improved the representation of low flows.
K. Schraml, B. Thomschitz, B. W. McArdell, C. Graf, and R. Kaitna
Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 1483–1492, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-15-1483-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-15-1483-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
In this paper we used two different numerical simulation models to replicate two debris-flow events in Austria and compare the range and sensitivity of the model input parameters. We expect that our results contribute to a better application of simulation models for hazard and risk assessment in alpine regions.
S. Ceola, B. Arheimer, E. Baratti, G. Blöschl, R. Capell, A. Castellarin, J. Freer, D. Han, M. Hrachowitz, Y. Hundecha, C. Hutton, G. Lindström, A. Montanari, R. Nijzink, J. Parajka, E. Toth, A. Viglione, and T. Wagener
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 2101–2117, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2101-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-2101-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We present the outcomes of a collaborative hydrological experiment undertaken by five different international research groups in a virtual laboratory. Moving from the definition of accurate protocols, a rainfall-runoff model was independently applied by the research groups, which then engaged in a comparative discussion. The results revealed that sharing protocols and running the experiment within a controlled environment is fundamental for ensuring experiment repeatability and reproducibility.
O. Fovet, L. Ruiz, M. Hrachowitz, M. Faucheux, and C. Gascuel-Odoux
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 105–123, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-105-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-105-2015, 2015
Short summary
Short summary
We studied the annual hysteretic patterns observed between stream flow and water storage in the saturated and unsaturated zones of a hillslope and a riparian zone. We described these signatures using a hysteresis index and then used this to assess conceptual hydrological models. This led us to identify four hydrological periods and a clearly distinct behaviour between riparian and hillslope groundwaters and to provide new information about the model performances.
S. Gharari, M. Hrachowitz, F. Fenicia, H. Gao, and H. H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4839–4859, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4839-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4839-2014, 2014
S. Gharari, M. Shafiei, M. Hrachowitz, R. Kumar, F. Fenicia, H. V. Gupta, and H. H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4861–4870, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4861-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4861-2014, 2014
H. Gao, M. Hrachowitz, F. Fenicia, S. Gharari, and H. H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 1895–1915, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1895-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-1895-2014, 2014
T. Euser, H. C. Winsemius, M. Hrachowitz, F. Fenicia, S. Uhlenbrook, and H. H. G. Savenije
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 1893–1912, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-1893-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-1893-2013, 2013
M. Hrachowitz, H. Savenije, T. A. Bogaard, D. Tetzlaff, and C. Soulsby
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 533–564, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-533-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-533-2013, 2013
Related subject area
Subject: Catchment hydrology | Techniques and Approaches: Modelling approaches
Effects of spatial resolution of terrain models on modelled discharge and soil loss in Oaxaca, Mexico
Benchmarking data-driven rainfall–runoff models in Great Britain: a comparison of long short-term memory (LSTM)-based models with four lumped conceptual models
Numerical daemons of hydrological models are summoned by extreme precipitation
How is Baseflow Index (BFI) impacted by water resource management practices?
Technical note: RAT – a robustness assessment test for calibrated and uncalibrated hydrological models
Reduction of vegetation-accessible water storage capacity after deforestation affects catchment travel time distributions and increases young water fractions in a headwater catchment
Combining split-sample testing and hidden Markov modelling to assess the robustness of hydrological models
Hydrologically informed machine learning for rainfall–runoff modelling: towards distributed modelling
Development and evaluation of 0.05° terrestrial water storage estimates using Community Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange (CABLE) land surface model and assimilation of GRACE data
Conditioning ensemble streamflow prediction with the North Atlantic Oscillation improves skill at longer lead times
Technical note: Hydrology modelling R packages – a unified analysis of models and practicalities from a user perspective
A new fractal-theory-based criterion for hydrological model calibration
The value of water isotope data on improving process understanding in a glacierized catchment on the Tibetan Plateau
Quantifying the impact of land cover changes on hydrological responses in India
Machine learning deciphers CO2 sequestration and subsurface flowpaths from stream chemistry
Future changes in annual, seasonal and monthly runoff signatures in contrasting Alpine catchments in Austria
Using hydrologic landscape classification and climatic time series to assess hydrologic vulnerability of the western U.S. to climate
Evaluation of random forests for short-term daily streamflow forecasting in rainfall- and snowmelt-driven watersheds
Performance of automated methods for flash flood inundation mapping: a comparison of a digital terrain model (DTM) filling and two hydrodynamic methods
A novel method for cold-region streamflow hydrograph separation using GRACE satellite observations
A Bayesian approach to understanding the key factors influencing temporal variability in stream water quality – a case study in the Great Barrier Reef catchments
Projected changes in Rhine River flood seasonality under global warming
Technical note: Diagnostic efficiency – specific evaluation of model performance
How catchment characteristics influence hydrological pathways and travel times in a boreal landscape
Rainfall–runoff prediction at multiple timescales with a single Long Short-Term Memory network
User-oriented hydrological indices for early warning systems with validation using post-event surveys: flood case studies in the Central Apennine District
In-stream Escherichia Coli Modeling Using high-temporal-resolution data with deep learning and process-based models
Space–time variability in soil moisture droughts in the Himalayan region
A multi-sourced assessment of the spatiotemporal dynamics of soil moisture in the MARINE flash flood model
Climate change impacts model parameter sensitivity – implications for calibration strategy and model diagnostic evaluation
Impact of karst areas on runoff generation, lateral flow and interbasin groundwater flow at the storm-event timescale
Triple oxygen isotope systematics of evaporation and mixing processes in a dynamic desert lake system
Irrigation, damming, and streamflow fluctuations of the Yellow River
Behind the scenes of streamflow model performance
Learning from satellite observations: increased understanding of catchment processes through stepwise model improvement
Diagnosis toward predicting mean annual runoff in ungauged basins
Patterns and dynamics of dissolved organic carbon exports from a riparian zone of a temperate, forested catchment
The era of infiltration
A time-varying parameter estimation approach using split-sample calibration based on dynamic programming
A history of TOPMODEL
Progressive water deficits during multiyear droughts in basins with long hydrological memory in Chile
A comparison of catchment travel times and storage deduced from deuterium and tritium tracers using StorAge Selection functions
Bending of the concentration discharge relationship can inform about in-stream nitrate removal
The role and value of distributed precipitation data in hydrological models
Flood spatial coherence, triggers, and performance in hydrological simulations: large-sample evaluation of four streamflow-calibrated models
Flexible vector-based spatial configurations in land models
Two-stage variational mode decomposition and support vector regression for streamflow forecasting
Predicting probabilities of streamflow intermittency across a temperate mesoscale catchment
Importance of the informative content in the study area when regionalising rainfall-runoff model parameters: the role of nested catchments and gauging station density
Which rainfall score is more informative about the performance in river discharge simulation? A comprehensive assessment on 1318 basins over Europe
Sergio Naranjo, Francelino A. Rodrigues Jr., Georg Cadisch, Santiago Lopez-Ridaura, Mariela Fuentes Ponce, and Carsten Marohn
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5561–5588, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5561-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5561-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We integrate a spatially explicit soil erosion model with plot- and watershed-scale characterization and high-resolution drone imagery to assess the effect of spatial resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) on discharge and soil loss. Results showed reduction in slope due to resampling down of DTM. Higher resolution translates to higher slope, denser fluvial system, and extremer values of soil loss, reducing concentration time and increasing soil loss at the outlet. The best resolution was 4 m.
Thomas Lees, Marcus Buechel, Bailey Anderson, Louise Slater, Steven Reece, Gemma Coxon, and Simon J. Dadson
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5517–5534, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5517-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5517-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We used deep learning (DL) models to simulate the amount of water moving through a river channel (discharge) based on the rainfall, temperature and potential evaporation in the previous days. We tested the DL models on catchments across Great Britain finding that the model can accurately simulate hydrological systems across a variety of catchment conditions. Ultimately, the model struggled most in areas where there is chalky bedrock and where human influence on the catchment is large.
Peter T. La Follette, Adriaan J. Teuling, Nans Addor, Martyn Clark, Koen Jansen, and Lieke A. Melsen
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5425–5446, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5425-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5425-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Hydrological models are useful tools that allow us to predict distributions and movement of water. A variety of numerical methods are used by these models. We demonstrate which numerical methods yield large errors when subject to extreme precipitation. As the climate is changing such that extreme precipitation is more common, we find that some numerical methods are better suited for use in hydrological models. Also, we find that many current hydrological models use relatively inaccurate methods.
John P. Bloomfield, Mengyi Gong, Benjamin P. Marchant, Gemma Coxon, and Nans Addor
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5355–5379, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5355-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5355-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Groundwater provides flow, known as baseflow, to surface streams and rivers. It is important as it sustains the flow of many rivers at times of water stress. However, it may be affected by water management practices. Statistical models have been used to show that abstraction of groundwater may influence baseflow. Consequently, it is recommended that information on groundwater abstraction is included in future assessments and predictions of baseflow.
Pierre Nicolle, Vazken Andréassian, Paul Royer-Gaspard, Charles Perrin, Guillaume Thirel, Laurent Coron, and Léonard Santos
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 5013–5027, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5013-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-5013-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
In this note, a new method (RAT) is proposed to assess the robustness of hydrological models. The RAT method is particularly interesting because it does not require multiple calibrations (it is therefore applicable to uncalibrated models), and it can be used to determine whether a hydrological model may be safely used for climate change impact studies. Success at the robustness assessment test is a necessary (but not sufficient) condition of model robustness.
Markus Hrachowitz, Michael Stockinger, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits, Ruud van der Ent, Heye Bogena, Andreas Lücke, and Christine Stumpp
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4887–4915, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4887-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4887-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Deforestation affects how catchments store and release water. Here we found that deforestation in the study catchment led to a 20 % increase in mean runoff, while reducing the vegetation-accessible water storage from about 258 to 101 mm. As a consequence, fractions of young water in the stream increased by up to 25 % during wet periods. This implies that water and solutes are more rapidly routed to the stream, which can, after contamination, lead to increased contaminant peak concentrations.
Etienne Guilpart, Vahid Espanmanesh, Amaury Tilmant, and François Anctil
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4611–4629, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4611-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4611-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The stationary assumption in hydrology has become obsolete because of climate changes. In that context, it is crucial to assess the performance of a hydrologic model over a wide range of climates and their corresponding hydrologic conditions. In this paper, numerous, contrasted, climate sequences identified by a hidden Markov model (HMM) are used in a differential split-sample testing framework to assess the robustness of a hydrologic model. We illustrate the method on the Senegal River.
Herath Mudiyanselage Viraj Vidura Herath, Jayashree Chadalawada, and Vladan Babovic
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4373–4401, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4373-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4373-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Existing hydrological knowledge has been integrated with genetic programming based on a machine learning algorithm (MIKA-SHA) to induce readily interpretable distributed rainfall–runoff models. At present, the model building components of two flexible modelling frameworks (FUSE and SUPERFLEX) represent the elements of hydrological knowledge. The proposed toolkit captures spatial variabilities and automatically induces semi-distributed rainfall–runoff models without any explicit user selections.
Natthachet Tangdamrongsub, Michael F. Jasinski, and Peter J. Shellito
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4185–4208, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4185-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4185-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Accurate estimation of terrestrial water storage (TWS) is essential for reliable water resource assessments. TWS can be estimated from the Community Atmosphere–Biosphere Land Exchange model (CABLE), but the resolution is limited to 0.5°. We reconfigure CABLE to improve TWS spatial details from 0.5° to 0.05°. GRACE satellite data are assimilated into CABLE to improve TWS accuracy. Our workflow relies only on publicly accessible data, allowing reproduction of 0.05° TWS in any region.
Seán Donegan, Conor Murphy, Shaun Harrigan, Ciaran Broderick, Dáire Foran Quinn, Saeed Golian, Jeff Knight, Tom Matthews, Christel Prudhomme, Adam A. Scaife, Nicky Stringer, and Robert L. Wilby
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 4159–4183, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4159-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-4159-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We benchmarked the skill of ensemble streamflow prediction (ESP) for a diverse sample of 46 Irish catchments. We found that ESP is skilful in the majority of catchments up to several months ahead. However, the level of skill was strongly dependent on lead time, initialisation month, and individual catchment location and storage properties. We also conditioned ESP with the winter North Atlantic Oscillation and show that improvements in forecast skill, reliability, and discrimination are possible.
Paul C. Astagneau, Guillaume Thirel, Olivier Delaigue, Joseph H. A. Guillaume, Juraj Parajka, Claudia C. Brauer, Alberto Viglione, Wouter Buytaert, and Keith J. Beven
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3937–3973, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3937-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3937-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The R programming language has become an important tool for many applications in hydrology. In this study, we provide an analysis of some of the R tools providing hydrological models. In total, two aspects are uniformly investigated, namely the conceptualisation of the models and the practicality of their implementation for end-users. These comparisons aim at easing the choice of R tools for users and at improving their usability for hydrology modelling to support more transferable research.
Zhixu Bai, Yao Wu, Di Ma, and Yue-Ping Xu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3675–3690, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3675-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3675-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
To test our hypothesis that the fractal dimensions of streamflow series can be used to improve the calibration of hydrological models, we designed the E–RD efficiency ratio of fractal dimensions strategy and examined its usability in the calibration of lumped models. The results reveal that, in most aspects, introducing RD into model calibration makes the simulation of streamflow components more reasonable. Also, pursuing a better RD during calibration leads to only a minor decrease in E.
Yi Nan, Lide Tian, Zhihua He, Fuqiang Tian, and Lili Shao
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3653–3673, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3653-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3653-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study integrated a water isotope module into the hydrological model THREW. The isotope-aided model was subsequently applied for process understanding in the glacierized watershed of Karuxung river on the Tibetan Plateau. The model was used to quantify the contribution of runoff component and estimate the water travel time in the catchment. Model uncertainties were significantly constrained by using additional isotopic data, improving the process understanding in the catchment.
Shaini Naha, Miguel A. Rico-Ramirez, and Rafael Rosolem
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-306, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-306, 2021
Revised manuscript accepted for HESS
Short summary
Short summary
Rapid growth in population in developing countries leads to an increase in food demand and as a consequence, percentages of land are being converted to cropland which alters the river flow processes. This study describes how the hydrology of a flood prone river basin in India would respond to the current and future changes in land cover. Our findings indicate that the recurrent flood events occurring in the basin might be influenced by these changes in land cover at the catchment scale.
Andrew R. Shaughnessy, Xin Gu, Tao Wen, and Susan L. Brantley
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3397–3409, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3397-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3397-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
It is often difficult to determine the sources of solutes in streams and how much each source contributes. We developed a new method of unmixing stream chemistry via machine learning. We found that sulfate in three watersheds is related to groundwater flowpaths. Our results emphasize that acid rain reduces a watershed's capacity to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, a key geological control on climate. Our method will help scientists unmix stream chemistry in watersheds where sources are unknown.
Sarah Hanus, Markus Hrachowitz, Harry Zekollari, Gerrit Schoups, Miren Vizcaino, and Roland Kaitna
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3429–3453, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3429-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3429-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the effects of climate change on runoff patterns in six Alpine catchments in Austria at the end of the 21st century. Our results indicate a substantial shift to earlier occurrences in annual maximum and minimum flows in high-elevation catchments. Magnitudes of annual extremes are projected to increase under a moderate emission scenario in all catchments. Changes are generally more pronounced for high-elevation catchments.
Chas E. Jones Jr., Scott G. Leibowitz, Keith A. Sawicz, Randy L. Comeleo, Laurel E. Stratton, Philip E. Morefield, and Christopher P. Weaver
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3179–3206, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3179-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3179-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Our research assesses the hydrologic vulnerability of the western U.S. to climate by classifying the landscape based on its physical and climatic characteristics and analyzing climate data. We also apply the approach to examine the vulnerabilities of case studies in the ski and wine industries. We show that the west and its ski areas are vulnerable to changes in snow, while vineyard vulnerability varies. This allows us to consider climatic impacts across landscapes, industries, and stakeholders.
Leo Triet Pham, Lifeng Luo, and Andrew Finley
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2997–3015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2997-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2997-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Model evaluation metrics suggest that RF performs better in snowmelt-driven watersheds. The largest improvements in forecasts compared to benchmark models are found among rainfall-driven watersheds. RF performance deteriorates with increases in catchment slope and soil sandiness. We note disagreement between two popular measures of RF variable importance and recommend jointly considering these measures with the physical processes under study.
Nabil Hocini, Olivier Payrastre, François Bourgin, Eric Gaume, Philippe Davy, Dimitri Lague, Lea Poinsignon, and Frederic Pons
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2979–2995, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2979-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2979-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Efficient flood mapping methods are needed for large-scale, comprehensive identification of flash flood inundation hazards caused by small upstream rivers. An evaluation of three automated mapping approaches of increasing complexity, i.e., a digital terrain model (DTM) filling and two 1D–2D hydrodynamic approaches, is presented based on three major flash floods in southeastern France. The results illustrate some limits of the DTM filling method and the value of using a 2D hydrodynamic approach.
Shusen Wang, Junhua Li, and Hazen A. J. Russell
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2649–2662, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2649-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2649-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Separating river flow into baseflow and surface runoff provides useful information for hydrology and climate studies, but traditional methods have critical limitations in the lack of physics, identifying snowmelt runoff and watershed size. This study developed a novel model using the GRACE satellite observations to address these limitations. It also includes estimates for watershed hydraulic conductivity and drainable water storage, which help assess aquifer properties and water resources.
Shuci Liu, Dongryeol Ryu, J. Angus Webb, Anna Lintern, Danlu Guo, David Waters, and Andrew W. Western
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2663–2683, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2663-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2663-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Riverine water quality can change markedly at one particular location. This study developed predictive models to represent the temporal variation in stream water quality across the Great Barrier Reef catchments, Australia. The model structures were informed by a data-driven approach, which is useful for identifying important factors determining temporal changes in water quality and, in turn, providing critical information for developing management strategies.
Erwin Rottler, Axel Bronstert, Gerd Bürger, and Oldrich Rakovec
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2353–2371, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2353-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2353-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The mesoscale hydrological model (mHM) forced with an ensemble of climate projection scenarios was used to assess potential future changes in flood seasonality in the Rhine River basin. Results indicate that future changes in flood characteristics are controlled by increases in precipitation sums and diminishing snowpacks. The decreases in snowmelt can counterbalance increasing precipitation, resulting in only small and transient changes in streamflow maxima.
Robin Schwemmle, Dominic Demand, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2187–2198, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2187-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2187-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
A better understanding of the reasons why model performance is unsatisfying represents a crucial part for meaningful model evaluation. We propose the novel diagnostic efficiency (DE) measure and diagnostic polar plots. The proposed evaluation approach provides a diagnostic tool for model developers and model users and facilitates interpretation of model performance.
Elin Jutebring Sterte, Fredrik Lidman, Emma Lindborg, Ylva Sjöberg, and Hjalmar Laudon
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2133–2158, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2133-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2133-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
A numerical model was used to estimate annual and seasonal mean travel times across 14 long-term nested monitored catchments in the boreal region. The estimated travel times and young water fractions were consistent with observed variations of base cation concentration and stable water isotopes, δ18O. Soil type was the most important factor regulating the variation in mean travel times among sub-catchments, while the areal coverage of mires increased the young water fraction.
Martin Gauch, Frederik Kratzert, Daniel Klotz, Grey Nearing, Jimmy Lin, and Sepp Hochreiter
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 2045–2062, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2045-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-2045-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present multi-timescale Short-Term Memory (MTS-LSTM), a machine learning approach that predicts discharge at multiple timescales within one model. MTS-LSTM is significantly more accurate than the US National Water Model and computationally more efficient than an individual LSTM model per timescale. Further, MTS-LSTM can process different input variables at different timescales, which is important as the lead time of meteorological forecasts often depends on their temporal resolution.
Annalina Lombardi, Valentina Colaiuda, Marco Verdecchia, and Barbara Tomassetti
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1969–1992, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1969-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1969-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The paper presents a modelling approach for the assessment of extremes in the hydrological cycle at a multi-catchment scale. It describes two new hydrological stress indices, innovative instruments that could be used by Civil Protection operators, for flood mapping in early warning systems. The main advantage in using the proposed indices is the possibility of displaying hydrological-stress information over any geographical domain.
Ather Abbas, Sangsoo Baek, Norbert Silvera, Bounsamay Soulileuth, Yakov Pachepsky, Olivier Ribolzi, Laurie Boithias, and Kyung Hwa Cho
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-98, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-98, 2021
Revised manuscript accepted for HESS
Short summary
Short summary
Correct estimation of fecal indicator bacteria in surface waters is critical for public health. Process driven models and recently data-driven models have been applied for water quality modeling however a systematic comparison for simulation of E. coli is missing in literature. We compared the performance of a process driven (HSPF) and a data-driven (LSTM) model for E. coli simulation. We show that LSTM can be an alternative to process driven models for estimation of E. coli in surface waters.
Santosh Nepal, Saurav Pradhananga, Narayan Kumar Shrestha, Sven Kralisch, Jayandra P. Shrestha, and Manfred Fink
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1761–1783, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1761-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1761-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This paper examines soil moisture drought in the central Himalayan region by applying a process-based hydrological model. Our results suggest that both the occurrence and severity of droughts have increased over the last 3 decades, especially in the winter and
pre-monsoon seasons. The insights provided into the frequency, spatial coverage, and severity of the drought conditions can provide valuable inputs towards improved management of water resources and greater agricultural productivity.
Judith Eeckman, Hélène Roux, Audrey Douinot, Bertrand Bonan, and Clément Albergel
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1425–1446, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1425-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1425-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The risk of flash flood is of growing importance for populations, particularly in the Mediterranean area in the context of a changing climate. The representation of soil processes in models is a key factor for flash flood simulation. The importance of the various methods for soil moisture estimation are highlighted in this work. Local measurements from the field as well as data derived from satellite imagery can be used to assess the performance of model outputs.
Lieke Anna Melsen and Björn Guse
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1307–1332, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1307-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1307-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Certain hydrological processes become more or less relevant when the climate changes. This should also be visible in the models that are used for long-term predictions of river flow as a consequence of climate change. We investigated this using three different models. The change in relevance should be reflected in how the parameters of the models are determined. In the different models, different processes become more relevant in the future: they disagree with each other.
Martin Le Mesnil, Roger Moussa, Jean-Baptiste Charlier, and Yvan Caballero
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1259–1282, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1259-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1259-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present an innovative approach consisting of the statistical analysis and comparison of 15 hydrological descriptors, characterizing catchment response to rainfall events. The distribution of these descriptors is analysed according to the occurrence of karst areas inside 108 catchments. It shows that karst impacts on storm events mainly result in river losses and that interbasin groundwater flows can represent a significant part of the catchment water budget ah the event timescale.
Claudia Voigt, Daniel Herwartz, Cristina Dorador, and Michael Staubwasser
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1211–1228, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1211-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1211-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Evaporation trends in the stable isotope composition (18O/16O, 17O/16O, 2H/1H) of throughflow ponds in a hydrologically complex and seasonally dynamic lake system can be reliably predicted by the classic Craig–Gordon isotope evaporation model. We demonstrate that the novel 17O-excess parameter is capable of resolving different types of evaporation with and without recharge and of identifying mixing processes that cannot be resolved using the classic δ2H–δ18O system alone.
Zun Yin, Catherine Ottlé, Philippe Ciais, Feng Zhou, Xuhui Wang, Polcher Jan, Patrice Dumas, Shushi Peng, Laurent Li, Xudong Zhou, Yan Bo, Yi Xi, and Shilong Piao
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1133–1150, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1133-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1133-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We improved the irrigation module in a land surface model ORCHIDEE and developed a dam operation model with the aim to investigate how irrigation and dams affect the streamflow fluctuations of the Yellow River. Results show that irrigation mainly reduces the annual river flow. The dam operation, however, mainly affects streamflow variation. By considering two generic operation rules, flood control and base flow guarantee, our dam model can sustainably improve the simulation accuracy.
Laurène J. E. Bouaziz, Fabrizio Fenicia, Guillaume Thirel, Tanja de Boer-Euser, Joost Buitink, Claudia C. Brauer, Jan De Niel, Benjamin J. Dewals, Gilles Drogue, Benjamin Grelier, Lieke A. Melsen, Sotirios Moustakas, Jiri Nossent, Fernando Pereira, Eric Sprokkereef, Jasper Stam, Albrecht H. Weerts, Patrick Willems, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 1069–1095, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1069-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-1069-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We quantify the differences in internal states and fluxes of 12 process-based models with similar streamflow performance and assess their plausibility using remotely sensed estimates of evaporation, snow cover, soil moisture and total storage anomalies. The dissimilarities in internal process representation imply that these models cannot all simultaneously be close to reality. Therefore, we invite modelers to evaluate their models using multiple variables and to rely on multi-model studies.
Petra Hulsman, Hubert H. G. Savenije, and Markus Hrachowitz
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 957–982, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-957-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-957-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Satellite observations have increasingly been used for model calibration, while model structural developments largely rely on discharge data. For large river basins, this often results in poor representations of system internal processes. This study explores the combined use of satellite-based evaporation and total water storage data for model structural improvement and spatial–temporal model calibration for a large, semi-arid and data-scarce river system.
Yuan Gao, Lili Yao, Ni-Bin Chang, and Dingbao Wang
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 945–956, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-945-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-945-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Mean annual runoff prediction is of great interest but still poses a challenge in ungauged basins. The purpose of this study is to diagnose the data requirement for predicting mean annual runoff in ungauged basins based on a water balance model, in which the effects of climate variability are explicitly represented. The performance of predicting mean annual runoff can be improved by employing better estimation of soil water storage capacity including the effects of soil, topography, and bedrock.
Benedikt J. Werner, Oliver J. Lechtenfeld, Andreas Musolff, Gerrit H. de Rooij, Jie Yang, Ralf Gründling, Ulrike Werban, and Jan H. Fleckenstein
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-82, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-82, 2021
Revised manuscript accepted for HESS
Short summary
Short summary
Export of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from riparian zones (RZs) is an important, yet poorly understood component of the catchment carbon budget. This study chemically and spatially classifies DOC source zones within a RZ of a small catchment to assess DOC export patterns. Results highlight that DOC export from only a small fraction of the RZ with distinct DOC composition dominates overall DOC export. The application of a spatial, topographic proxy can be used to improve DOC export models.
Keith Beven
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 851–866, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-851-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-851-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Inspired by a quotation from Howard Cook in 1946, this paper traces the evolution of the infiltration theory of runoff from the work of Robert Horton and LeRoy Sherman in the 1930s to the early digital computer models of the 1970s and 1980s. Reconsideration of the perceptual model for many catchments, partly as a result of the greater appreciation of the contribution of subsurface flows to the hydrograph indicated by tracer studies, suggests a reconsideration of hydrological nomenclature.
Xiaojing Zhang and Pan Liu
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 711–733, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-711-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-711-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Rainfall–runoff models are useful tools for streamflow simulation. However, efforts are needed to investigate how their parameters vary in response to climate changes and human activities. Thus, this study proposes a new method for estimating time-varying parameters, by considering both simulation accuracy and parameter continuity. The results show the proposed method is effective for identifying temporal variations of parameters and can simultaneously provide good streamflow simulation.
Keith J. Beven, Mike J. Kirkby, Jim E. Freer, and Rob Lamb
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 527–549, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-527-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-527-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The theory that forms the basis of TOPMODEL was first outlined by Mike Kirkby some 45 years ago. This paper recalls some of the early developments: the rejection of the first journal paper, the early days of digital terrain analysis, model calibration and validation, the various criticisms of the simplifying assumptions, and the relaxation of those assumptions in the dynamic forms of TOPMODEL, and it considers what we might do now with the benefit of hindsight.
Camila Alvarez-Garreton, Juan Pablo Boisier, René Garreaud, Jan Seibert, and Marc Vis
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 429–446, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-429-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-429-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
The megadrought experienced in Chile (2010–2020) has led to larger than expected water deficits. By analysing 106 basins with snow-/rainfall regimes, we relate such intensification with the hydrological memory of the basins, explained by snow and groundwater. Snow-dominated basins have larger memory and thus accumulate the effect of persistent precipitation deficits more strongly than pluvial basins. This notably affects central Chile, a water-limited region where most of the population lives.
Nicolas Björn Rodriguez, Laurent Pfister, Erwin Zehe, and Julian Klaus
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 401–428, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-401-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-401-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Different parts of water have often been used as tracers to determine the age of water in streams. The stable tracers, such as deuterium, are thought to be unable to reveal old water compared to the radioactive tracer called tritium. We used both tracers, measured in precipitation and in a stream in Luxembourg, to show that this is not necessarily true. It is, in fact, advantageous to use the two tracers together, and we recommend systematically using tritium in future studies.
Joni Dehaspe, Fanny Sarrazin, Rohini Kumar, Jan H. Fleckenstein, and Andreas Musolff
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-16, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2021-16, 2021
Revised manuscript accepted for HESS
Short summary
Short summary
Increased nitrate concentrations in surface waters can compromise river ecosystem health. As riverine nitrate uptake is hard to measure, we explore how low frequency nitrate concentration and discharge observations (that are widely available) can help to identify (in)efficient uptake in river networks. We find that channel geometry and water velocity rather than the biological uptake capacity dominate the nitrate-discharge pattern at the outlet. The former can be used to predict uptake.
Ralf Loritz, Markus Hrachowitz, Malte Neuper, and Erwin Zehe
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 147–167, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-147-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-147-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
This study investigates the role and value of distributed rainfall in the runoff generation of a mesoscale catchment. We compare the performance of different hydrological models at different periods and show that a distributed model driven by distributed rainfall yields improved performances only during certain periods. We then step beyond this finding and develop a spatially adaptive model that is capable of dynamically adjusting its spatial model structure in time.
Manuela I. Brunner, Lieke A. Melsen, Andrew W. Wood, Oldrich Rakovec, Naoki Mizukami, Wouter J. M. Knoben, and Martyn P. Clark
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 105–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-105-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-105-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Assessments of current, local, and regional flood hazards and their future changes often involve the use of hydrologic models. A reliable model ideally reproduces both local flood characteristics and regional aspects of flooding. In this paper we investigate how such characteristics are represented by hydrologic models. Our results show that both the modeling of local and regional flood characteristics are challenging, especially under changing climate conditions.
Shervan Gharari, Martyn P. Clark, Naoki Mizukami, Wouter J. M. Knoben, Jefferson S. Wong, and Alain Pietroniro
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5953–5971, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5953-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5953-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
This work explores the trade-off between the accuracy of the representation of geospatial data, such as land cover, soil type, and elevation zones, in a land (surface) model and its performance in the context of modeling. We used a vector-based setup instead of the commonly used grid-based setup to identify this trade-off. We also assessed the often neglected parameter uncertainty and its impact on the land model simulations.
Ganggang Zuo, Jungang Luo, Ni Wang, Yani Lian, and Xinxin He
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5491–5518, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5491-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5491-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
A two-stage variational mode decomposition and support vector regression is designed to reduce the influence of boundary effects without removing or correcting boundary-affected decompositions. The proposed model significantly reduces the boundary effect consequences, saves modeling time and computation resources, barely overfits the calibration samples, and forecasts monthly runoff reasonably well compared to the benchmark models.
Nils Hinrich Kaplan, Theresa Blume, and Markus Weiler
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5453–5472, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5453-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5453-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
In recent decades the demand for detailed information of spatial and temporal dynamics of the stream network has grown in the fields of eco-hydrology and extreme flow prediction. We use temporal streamflow intermittency data obtained at various sites using innovative sensing technology as well as spatial predictors to predict and map probabilities of streamflow intermittency. This approach has the potential to provide intermittency maps for hydrological modelling and management practices.
Mattia Neri, Juraj Parajka, and Elena Toth
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 5149–5171, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5149-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-5149-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
One of the most informative ways to gain information on ungauged river sections is through the implementation of a rainfall-runoff model, exploiting the information collected in gauged catchments in the study area. This study analyses how the performances of different model regionalisation approaches are influenced by the informative content of the available regional data set, in order to identify the methods that are more suitable for the data availability in the region.
Stefania Camici, Christian Massari, Luca Ciabatta, Ivan Marchesini, and Luca Brocca
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 4869–4885, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4869-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-4869-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
The paper performs the most comprehensive European-scale evaluation to date of satellite rainfall products for river flow prediction. In doing so, how errors transfer from satellite-based rainfall products into flood simulation is investigated in depth and, for the first time, quantitative guidelines on the use of these products for hydrological applications are provided. This result can represent a keystone in the use of satellite rainfall products, especially in data-scarce regions.
Cited articles
Aleotti, P.: A warning system for rainfall-induced shallow failures, Eng.
Geol., 73, 247–265, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2004.01.007, 2004.
Anagnostopoulos, G. G., Fatichi, S., and Burlando, P.: An advanced
process-based distributed model for the investigation of rainfall-induced
landslides: The effect of process representation and boundary conditions,
Water Resour. Res., 51, 7501–7523, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR016909, 2015.
Auer, I., Böhm, R., Jurkovic, A., Lipa, W., Orlik, A., Potzmann, R.,
Schöner, W., Ungersböck, M., Matulla, C., Briffa, K., Jones, P. D.,
Efthymiadis, D., Brunetti, M., Nanni, T., Maugeri, M., Mercalli, L., Mestre,
O., Moisselin, J.-M., Begert, M., Müller-Westermeier, G., Kveton, V.,
Bochnicek, O., Stastny, P., Lapin, M., Szalai, S., Szentimrey, T., Cegnar,
T., Dolinar, M., Gajic-Capka, M., Zaninovic, K., Majstorovic, Z., and
Nieplova, E.: HISTALP – historical instrumental climatological surface time
series of the Greater Alpine Region, Int. J. Climatol., 27, 17–46,
https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.1377, 2007.
Austrian Glacier Inventory: Institute of Atmospheric and Cryospheric
Sciences, University of Innsbruck, available at:
http://acinn.uibk.ac.at/research/ice-and-climate/projects/agi, last
access: 2 February 2016.
Baum, R. L. and Godt, J. W.: Early warning of rainfall-induced shallow
landslides and debris flows in the USA, Landslides, 7, 259–272,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-009-0177-0, 2010.
Berenguer, M., Sempere-Torres, D., and Hürlimann, M.: Debris-flow
forecasting at regional scale by combining susceptibility mapping and radar
rainfall, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 15, 587–602,
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-15-587-2015, 2015.
Berghuijs, W. R., Sivapalan, M., Woods, R. A., and Savenije, H. H.: Patterns
of similarity of seasonal water balances: A window into streamflow
variability over a range of time scales, Water Resour. Res., 50, 5638–5661,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2014WR015692, 2014.
Berti, M. and Simoni, A.: Experimental evidences and numerical modelling of
debris flow initiated by channel runoff, Landslides, 2, 171–182,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-005-0062-4, 2005.
Berti, M., Genevois, R., Simoni, A., and Tecca, P. R.: Field observations of
a debris flow event in the Dolomites, Geomorphology 29, 265–274,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(99)00018-5, 1999.
Berti, M., Martina, M. L. V., Franceschini, S., Pignone, S., Simoni, A., and
Pizziolo, M.: Probabilistic rainfall thresholds for landslide occurrence
using a Bayesian approach, J. Geophys. Res., 117, F04006,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2012JF002367, 2012.
Beven, K.: Changing ideas in hydrology – the case of physically based
models, J. Hydrol., 105, 157–172, 1989.
Beven, K.: A manifesto for the equifinality thesis, J. Hydrol., 320,
18–36, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.07.007, 2006a.
Beven, K.: Searching for the Holy Grail of scientific hydrology:
Beven, K. J.: Rainfall-Runoff Modelling: The Primer, 2nd Edn., John Wiley
& Sons Inc., Chichester, UK, ISBN: 978-0-470-71459-1, 2012.
Beven, K. J., Almeida, S., Aspinall, W. P., Bates, P. D., Blazkova, S.,
Borgomeo, E., Goda, K., Hall, J. W., Phillips, J. C., Simpson, M., Smith, P.
J., Stephenson, D. B., Wagener, T., Watson, M., and Wilkins, K. L.: Epistemic
uncertainties and natural hazard risk assessment. 1. A review of different
natural hazard areas, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss.,
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2017-250, in review, 2017a.
Beven, K. J., Aspinall, W. P., Bates, P. D., Borgomeo, E., Goda, K., Hall, J.
W., Page, T., Phillips, J. C., Simpson, M., Smith, P. J., Wagener, T., and
Watson, M.: Epistemic uncertainties and natural hazard risk assessment. 2.
What should constitute good practice?, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci.
Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2017-251, in review, 2017b.
Bíl, M., Andrášik, R., Zahradníček, P., Kubeček,
J., Sedoník, J., and Štěpánek, P.: Total water content
thresholds for shallow landslides, Outer Western Carpathians, Landslides, 13,
337–347, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-015-0570-9, 2015.
Birkel, C., Soulsby, C., and Tetzlaff, D.: Conceptual modelling to assess how
the interplay of hydrological connectivity, catchment storage and tracer
dynamics controls nonstationary water age estimates, Hydrol. Process., 29,
2956–2969, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.10414, 2015.
Bogaard, T. and Greco, R.: Invited perspectives: Hydrological perspectives on
precipitation intensity-duration thresholds for landslide initiation:
proposing hydro-meteorological thresholds, Nat. Hazards Earth Syst. Sci., 18,
31–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-18-31-2018, 2018.
Bogaard, T. A. and Greco, R.: Landslide hydrology: from hydrology to pore
pressure, WIREs Water, 3, 439–459, https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1126, 2016.
Böhm, R., Schöner, W., Auer, I., Hynek, B., Kroisleitner, C., Weyss,
G., and Jurkovic, A.: Gletscher und Abflussverhalten, Bericht zu
Zielvereinbarung 2008/31, Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik
(ZAMG), Austria, 2007.
Borga, M., Stoffel, M., Marchi, L., Marra, F., and Jakob, M.: Hydrogeomorphic
response to extreme rainfall in headwater systems: flash floods and debris
flows, J. Hydrol., 518, 194–205, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2014.05.022, 2014.
Braun, M. and Kaitna, R.: Analysis of meteorological trigger conditions for
debris flows on a daily time scale, in: Debris flows: risks, forecast,
protection: Materials of IV International Conference (Russia, Irkutsk –
Arshan village (The Republic of Buriatia), edited by: Makarov, S. A., Atutova, J. V.,
and Shekhovtsov, A. I., Publishing House of Sochava Institute of Geography SB
RAS, Irkutsk, ISBN: 978-5-94797-273-3, 2016.
BMLFUW: Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and
Water Management, inventory of documented mass movements in Austria, last
access: December 2015.
Chitu, Z., Bogaard, T. A., Busuioc, A., Burcea, S., Sandric, I., and Adler,
M. J.: Identifying hydrological pre-conditions and rainfall triggers of slope
failures at catchment scale for 2014 storm events in the Ialomita
Subcarpathians, Romania, Landslides, 14, 419–434,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-016-0740-4, 2017.
Church, M. and Miles, M. J.: Meteorological antecedents to debris flow in
southwestern British Columbia: some case studies, in: Debris
flows/avalanches: Process, Recognition and Mitigation, edited by: Costa, J.
E. and Wieczorek, G. F., Reviews in Engineering Geology, 7, 63–80,
Geological Society of America, Boulder, Colorado, https://doi.org/10.1130/REG7-p63,
1987.
Ciavolella, M., Bogaard, T. A., Gargano, R., and Greco, R.: Is there
predictive power in hydrological catchment information for regional
landslides hazard assessment?, Proced. Earth Plan. Sc., 16, 195–203,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeps.2016.10.021, 2016.
Clark, M. P., Slater, A. G., Rupp, D. E., Woods, R. A., Vrugt, J. A., Gupta,
H. V., Wagener, T., and Hay, L. E.: Framework for Understanding Structural
Errors (FUSE): A modular framework to diagnose differences between
hydrological models, Water Resour. Res., 44, W00B02,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2007WR006735, 2008.
Clark, M. P., Kavetski, D., and Fenicia, F.: Pursuing the method of multiple
working hypotheses for hydrological modeling, Water Resour. Res., 47,
W09301, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010WR009827, 2011.
Clark, M. P., Bierkens, M. F. P., Samaniego, L., Woods, R. A., Uijlenhoet,
R., Bennett, K. E., Pauwels, V. R. N., Cai, X., Wood, A. W., and
Peters-Lidard, C. D.: The evolution of process-based hydrologic models:
historical challenges and the collective quest for physical realism, Hydrol.
Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 3427–3440, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3427-2017,
2017.
Coe, J. A., Kinner, D. A., and Godt, J. W.: Initiation conditions for debris
flows generated by runoff at Chalk Cliffs, central Colorado, Geomorphology
96, 270–297, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2007.03.017, 2008.
Cohen, J., Ye, H., and Jones, J.: Trends and variability in rain-on-snow
events, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 7115–7122, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL065320, 2015.
Conway, H. and Raymond, C. F.: Snow stability during rain, J. Glaciol., 39,
635–642, 1993.
CORINE Land cover: European Environment Agency, European Union, available at:
http://eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/corine-land-cover-1990-raster-3,
last access: 2 February 2016a.
CORINE Land cover: European Environment Agency, European Union, available at:
http://eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/corine-land-cover-2000-raster-2,,
last access: 2 February 2016b.
CORINE Land cover: European Environment Agency, European Union, available at:
http://eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/data/corine-land-cover-2006-raster-3,
last access: 2 February 2016c.
Criss, R. E. and Winston, W. E.: Do Nash values have value? Discussion and
alternate proposals, Hydrol. Process., 22, 2723–2725, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.7072,
2008.
Crozier, M. J.: Prediction of rainfall-triggered landslides: a test of the
antecedent water status model, Earth Surf. Proc. Land., 24, 825–833,
https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1096-9837(199908)24:9<825::AID-ESP14>3.0.CO;2-M, 1999.
Data.gv.at: Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
“b5de6975-417b-4320-afdb-eb2a9e2a1dbf”, available at:
http://data.gv.at/katalog/dataset/b5de6975-417b-4320-afdb-eb2a9e2a1dbf,
last access: 2 February 2016.
Decaulne, A., Sæmundsson, Þ., and Pétursson, O.: Debris flow
triggered by rapid snowmelt: a case study in the Gleiðarhjalli area,
northwestern Iceland, Geogr. Ann. A, 87, 487–500,
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0435-3676.2005.00273.x, 2005.
Deganutti, A. M., Marchi, L., and Arattano, M.: Rainfall and debris-flow
occurrence in the Moscardo basin (Italian Alps), in: Debris-flow Hazards
Mitigation: Mechanics, Prediction and Assessment, edited by: Wieczorek, G. F.
and Naeser, N. D., Proceedings of the second international conference on
debris flow hazards mitigation, Taipei, Taiwan, 62–72, 16–18 August 2000.
Dhakal, A. S. and Sidle, R. C.: Distributed simulations of landslides for
different rainfall conditions, Hydrol. Process., 18, 757–776,
https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.1365, 2004.
Dooge, J. C.: Looking for hydrologic laws, Water Resour. Res., 22, 46–58,
https://doi.org/10.1029/WR022i09Sp0046S, 1986.
Euser, T., Winsemius, H. C., Hrachowitz, M., Fenicia, F., Uhlenbrook, S., and
Savenije, H. H. G.: A framework to assess the realism of model structures
using hydrological signatures, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 1893–1912,
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-1893-2013, 2013.
Euser, T., Hrachowitz, M., Winsemius, H. C., and Savenije, H. H. G.: The
effect of forcing and landscape distribution on performance and consistency
of model structures: Distribution of forcing and model structures, Hydrol.
Process., 29, 3727–3743, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.10445, 2015.
Fan, L., Lehmann, P., and Or, D.: Effects of soil spatial variability at the
hillslope and catchment scales on characteristics of rainfall-induced
landslides, Water Resour. Res., 52, 1781–1799, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017758,
2016.
Fenicia, F., Kavetski, D., and Savenije, H. H. G.: Elements of a flexible
approach for conceptual hydrological modeling: 1. Motivation and theoretical
development, Water Resour. Res., 47, W11510, https://doi.org/10.1029/2010WR010174, 2011.
Fenicia, F., Kavetski, D., Savenije, H. H. G., Clark, M. P., Schoups, G.,
Pfister, L., and Freer, J.: Catchment properties, function, and conceptual
model representation: is there a correspondence?, Hydrol. Process., 28,
2451–2467, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.9726, 2014.
Fenicia, F., Kavetski, D., Savenije, H. H. G., and Pfister, L.: From
spatially variable streamflow to distributed hydrological models: Analysis of
key modeling decisions, Water Resour. Res., 52, 954–989,
https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017398, 2016.
Gao, H., Ding, Y., Zhao, Q., Hrachowitz, M., and Savenije, H. H. G.: The
importance of aspect for modelling the hydrological response in a glacier
catchment in Central Asia, Hydrol. Process., 31, 2842–2859,
https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.11224, 2017.
Glade, T.: Modelling landslide-triggering rainfalls in different regions of
New Zealand – the soil water status model, Z. Geomorphol., 122, 63–84,
2000.
Glade, T., Crozier, M., and Smith, P.: Applying Probability Determination to
Refine Landslide-triggering Rainfall Thresholds Using an “Empirical
Antecedent Daily Rainfall Model”, Pure Appl. Geophys., 157, 1059–1079,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s000240050017, 2000.
Gregoretti, C. and Fontana, G. D.: The triggering of debris flow due to
channel-bed failure in some alpine headwater basins of the Dolomites:
analyses of critical runoff, Hydrol. Process., 22, 2248–2263,
https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.6821, 2008.
Gupta, H. V., Wagener, T., and Liu, Y.: Reconciling theory with observations:
Elements of a diagnostic approach to model evaluation, Hydrol. Process., 22,
3802–3813, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.6989, 2008.
Guzzetti, F., Peruccacci, S., Rossi, M., and Stark, C. P.: Rainfall
thresholds for the initiation of landslides in central and southern Europe,
Meteorol. Atmos. Phys., 98, 239–267, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-007-0262-7, 2007.
Guzzetti, F., Peruccacci, S., Rossi, M., and Stark, C. P.: The rainfall
intensity–duration control of shallow landslides and debris flows: an
update, Landslides, 5, 3–17, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-007-0112-1, 2008.
Hargreaves, G. H. and Samani, Z. A.: Reference crop evapotranspiration from
temperature, Appl. Eng. Agric., 1, 96–99, https://doi.org/10.13031/2013.26773, 1985.
Harr, R. D.: Some characteristics and consequences of snowmelt during
rainfall in Western Oregon, J. Hydrol., 53, 277–304, 1981.
HD Tirol: Hydrographischer Dienst Tirol (Hydrographic Service Tyrol),
Sachgebiet Hydrographie und Hydrologie, Amt der Tiroler Landesregierung,
available at: http://tirol.gv.at, last access: 25 August
2015.
Hrachowitz, M. and Clark, M. P.: HESS Opinions: The complementary merits of
competing modelling philosophies in hydrology, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21,
3953–3973, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-3953-2017, 2017.
Hrachowitz, M. and Weiler, M.: Uncertainty of Precipitation Estimates Caused
by Sparse Gauging Networks in a Small, Mountainous Watershed, J. Hydrol.
Eng., 16, 460–471, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0000331, 2011.
Hrachowitz, M., Fovet, O., Ruiz, L., Euser, T., Gharari, S., Nijzink, R.,
Freer, J., Savenije, H. H. G., and Gascuel-Odoux, C.: Process consistency in
models: The importance of system signatures, expert knowledge, and process
complexity, Water Resour. Res., 50, 7445–7469, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014WR015484,
2014.
Hrachowitz, M., Fovet, O., Ruiz, L., and Savenije, H. H.: Transit time
distributions, legacy contamination and variability in biogeochemical
1/fα scaling: how are hydrological response dynamics linked to water
quality at the catchment scale?, Hydrol. Process., 29, 5241–5256,
https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.10546, 2015.
Hübl, J., Totschnig, R., Sitter, F., Mayer, B., and Schneider, A.:
Historische Ereignisse – Band 2: Auswertung von Wildbach Schadereignissen in
Westösterreich auf Grundlage der Wildbachaufnahmeblätter, IAN Report
111, Band 2, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, 2008.
Hungr, O., Leroueil, S., and Picarelli, L.: The Varnes classification of
landslide types: an update, Landslides 11, 167–194,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-013-0436-y, 2014.
Iverson, R. M.: Landslide triggering by rain infiltration, Water Resour.
Res., 36, 1897–1910, https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-27129-5_1, 2000.
Jakeman, A. J. and Hornberger, G. M.: How much complexity is warranted in a
rainfall-runoff model?, Water Resour. Res., 29, 2637–2649, 1993.
Johnson, K. and Sitar, N.: Hydrologic conditions leading to debris-flow
initiation, Can. Geotech. J., 27, 789–801, https://doi.org/10.1139/t90-092, 1990.
Kean, J. W., McCoy, S. W., Tucker, G. E., Staley, D. M., and Coe, J. A.:
Runoff-generated debris flows: Observations and modeling of surge initiation,
magnitude, and frequency, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 118, 2190–2207,
https://doi.org/10.1002/jgrf.20148, 2013.
Kienholz, H.: Gefahrenbeurteilung und -bewertung – auf dem Weg zu einem
Gesamtkonzept, Schweizerische Zeitschrift für Forstwesen, 146, 701–725,
1995.
Lambrecht, A. and Kuhn, M.: Glacier changes in the Austrian Alps during the
last three decades, derived from the new Austrian glacier inventory, Ann.
Glaciol., 46, 177–184, 2007.
Leavesley, G. H., Markstrom, S. L., Brewer, M. S., and Viger, R. J.: The
modular modeling system (MMS) – The physical process modeling component of a
database-centered decision support system for water and power management, in:
Clean Water: Factors that Influence Its Availability, Quality and Its Use,
edited by: Chow, W., Brocksen, R. W., and Wisniewski, J., Springer the
Netherlands, 303–311, 1996.
Lehmann, P. and Or, D.: Hydromechanical triggering of landslides: From
progressive local failures to mass release, Water Resour. Res., 48, W03535,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2011WR010947, 2012.
Mader, H., Steidl, T., and Wimmer, R.: Abflussregime Österreichischer
Fließgewässer: Beitrag zu einer bundesweiten
Fließgewassertypologie, Umweltbundesamt, Monographien, Vol. 82, Wien,
ISBN: 3-85457-336-7, 1996.
Mancarella, D., Doglioni, A., and Simeone, V.: On capillary barrier effects
and debris slide triggering in unsaturated layered covers, Eng. Geol.,
147–148, 14–27, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2012.07.003, 2012.
Marchi, L., Arattano, M., and Deganutti, A. M.: Ten years of debris-flow
monitoring in the Moscardo Torrent (Italian Alps), Geomorphology, 46, 1–17,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(01)00162-3, 2002.
Marra, F., Destro, E., Nikolopoulos, E. I., Zoccatelli, D., Creutin, J. D.,
Guzzetti, F., and Borga, M.: Impact of rainfall spatial aggregation on the
identification of debris flow occurrence thresholds, Hydrol. Earth Syst.
Sci., 21, 4525–4532, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-4525-2017, 2017.
McArdell, B. W., Bartelt, P., and Kowalski, J.: Field observations of basal
forces and fluid pore pressure in a debris flow, Geophys. Res. Lett., 34,
L07406, https://doi.org/10.1029/2006GL029183, 2007.
McCoy, S. W., Kean, J. W., Coe, J. A., Tucker, G. E., Staley, D. M., and
Wasklewicz, T. A.: Sediment entrainment by debris flows: In situ measurements
from the headwaters of a steep catchment, J. Geophys. Res.-Earth, 117,
F03016, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JF002278, 2012.
McDonnell, J. J., Sivapalan, M., Vaché, K., Dunn, S., Grant, G.,
Haggerty, R., Hinz, C., Hooper, R., Kirchner, J., Roderick, M. L., Selker,
J., and Weiler, M.: Moving beyond heterogeneity and process complexity: A
new vision for watershed hydrology, Water Resour. Res., 43, W07301,
https://doi.org/10.1029/2006WR005467, 2007.
Mergili, M. and Kerschner, H.: Gridded precipitation mapping in mountainous
terrain combining GRASS and R, Norsk Geogr. Tidsskr., 69, 2–17,
https://doi.org/10.1080/00291951.2014.992807, 2015.
Montgomery, D. R. and Dietrich, W. E.: A physically based model for the
topographic control on shallow landsliding, Water Resour. Res., 30,
1153–1171, https://doi.org/10.1029/93WR02979, 1994.
Moser, M. and Hohensinn, F.: Geotechnical aspects of soil slips in Alpine
regions, Eng. Geol., 19, 185–211, https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7952(83)90003-0, 1983.
Nandi, A. and Shakoor, A.: Application of logistic regression model for slope
instability prediction in Cuyahoga River Watershed, Ohio, USA, Georisk, 2,
16–27, https://doi.org/10.1080/17499510701842221, 2008.
Napolitano, E., Fusco, F., Baum, R. L., Godt, J. W., and De Vita, P.: Effect
of antecedent-hydrological conditions on rainfall triggering of debris flows
in ash-fall pyroclastic mantled slopes of Campania (southern Italy),
Landslides, 13, 967–983, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10346-015-0647-5, 2016.
Nash, J. E. and Sutcliffe, J. V.: River flow forecasting through conceptual
models: Part I, a discussion of principles, J. Hydrol., 10, 282–290,
https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-1694(70)90255-6, 1970.
Nijzink, R. C., Samaniego, L., Mai, J., Kumar, R., Thober, S., Zink, M.,
Schäfer, D., Savenije, H. H. G., and Hrachowitz, M.: The importance of
topography-controlled sub-grid process heterogeneity and semi-quantitative
prior constraints in distributed hydrological models, Hydrol. Earth Syst.
Sci., 20, 1151–1176, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-1151-2016, 2016a.
Nijzink, R., Hutton, C., Pechlivanidis, I., Capell, R., Arheimer, B., Freer,
J., Han, D., Wagener, T., McGuire, K., Savenije, H., and Hrachowitz, M.: The
evolution of root-zone moisture capacities after deforestation: a step
towards hydrological predictions under change?, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 20,
4775–4799, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-20-4775-2016, 2016b.
Nikolopoulos, E. I., Crema, S., Marchi, L., Marra, F., Guzzetti, F., and
Borga, M.: Impact of uncertainty in rainfall estimation on the identification
of rainfall thresholds for debris flow occurrence, Geomorphology, 221,
286–297, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2014.06.015, 2014.
Papa, M. N., Medina, V., Ciervo, F., and Bateman, A.: Derivation of critical
rainfall thresholds for shallow landslides as a tool for debris flow early
warning systems, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 17, 4095–4107,
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-17-4095-2013, 2013.
Prancevic, J. P., Lamb, M. P., and Fuller, B. M.: Incipient sediment motion
across the river to debris-flow transition, Geology, 42, 191–194,
https://doi.org/10.1130/G34927.1, 2014.
Reichenbach, P., Mondini, A. C., and Rossi, M.: The influence of land use
change on landslide susceptibility zonation: the Briga catchment test site
(Messina, Italy), Environ. Manage., 54, 1372–1384, 2014.
Rickenmann, D. and Zimmermann, M.: The 1987 debris flows in Switzerland:
documentation and analysis, Geomorphology, 8, 175–189, 1993.
Savenije, H. H. G. and Hrachowitz, M.: HESS Opinions “Catchments as
meta-organisms – a new blueprint for hydrological modelling”, Hydrol. Earth
Syst. Sci., 21, 1107–1116, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-1107-2017, 2017.
Schimpf, H.: Untersuchung über das Auftreten beachtlicher
Niederschläge in Österreich, Österreichische Wasserwirtschaft,
22, 121–127, 1970.
Schoups, G., Hopmans, J. W., Young, C. A., Vrugt, J. A., and Wallender, W.
W.: Multi-criteria optimization of a regional spatially-distributed
subsurface water flow model, J. Hydrol., 311, 20–48,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.01.001, 2005.
Seibert, J.: Regionalisation of parameters for a conceptual rainfall-runoff
model, Agr. Forest Meteorol., 98, 279–293, 1999.
Seibert, J. and Beven, K. J.: Gauging the ungauged basin: how many discharge
measurements are needed?, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 13, 883–892,
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-13-883-2009, 2009.
Sidle, R. C. and Ziegler, A. D.: The canopy interception-landslide initiation
conundrum: insight from a tropical secondary forest in northern Thailand,
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 21, 651–667,
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-21-651-2017, 2017.
Simoni, S., Zanotti, F., Bertoldi, G., and Rigon, R.: Modelling the
probability of occurrence of shallow landslides and channelized debris flows
using GEOtop-FS, Hydrol. Process., 22, 532–545, https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.6886,
2008.
Sivapalan, M.: Pattern, process and function: Elements of a new unified
theory of hydrologic at the catchment scale, in: Encyclopedia of Hydrological
Sciences, edited by: Anderson, M. G., John Wiley & Sons Australia Ltd, UK,
1, 193–220, 2005.
Stoffel, M., Bollschweiler, M., and Beniston, M.: Rainfall characteristics
for periglacial debris flows in the Swiss Alps: past incidences–potential
future evolutions, Climatic Change, 105, 263–280,
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-011-0036-6, 2011.
Takahashi, T.: Estimation of potential debris flows and their hazardous
zones: Soft countermeasures for a disaster, Natural Disaster science, 3,
57–89, 1981.
TIRIS: Tiroler Rauminformationssystem, State of Tyrol, available at:
http://tirol.gv.at/data/datenkatalog, last access: 29 July 2015.
TIWAG: Tiroler Wasserkraft AG (Tyrolean Hydropower Corporation), available
at: http://tiwag.at, last access: 11 September 2015.
Valéry, A., Andréssian, V., and Perrin, C.: Regionalization of
precipitation and air temperature over high-altitude catchments – learning
from outliers, Hydrolog. Sci. J., 55, 928–940,
https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2010.504676, 2010.
van den Heuvel, F., Goyette, S., Rahman, K., and Stoffel, M.: Circulation
patterns related to debris-flow triggering in the Zermatt valley in current
and future climates, Geomorphology, 272, 127–136,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.12.010, 2016.
von Ruette, J., Papritz, A., Lehmann, P., Rickli, C., and Or, D.: Spatial
statistical modeling of shallow landslides – Validating predictions for
different landslide inventories and rainfall events, Geomorphology, 133,
11–22, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.06.010, 2011.
von Ruette, J., Lehmann, P., and Or, D.: Rainfall-triggered shallow
landslides at catchment scale: Threshold mechanics-based modeling for
abruptness and localization, Water Resour. Res., 49, 6266–6285,
https://doi.org/10.1002/wrcr.20418, 2013.
Wagener, T., Boyle, D. P., Lees, M. J., Wheater, H. S., Gupta, H. V., and
Sorooshian, S.: A framework for development and application of hydrological
models, Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 5, 13–26,
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-5-13-2001, 2001.
WGMS: Fluctuations of Glaciers Database, World Glacier Monitoring Service,
Zurich, Switzerland, https://doi.org/10.5904/wgms-fog-2017-06, 2017.
Wieczorek, G. F. and Glade, T.: Climatic factors influencing occurrence of
debris flows, in: Debris-flow Hazards and Related Phenomena, edited by:
Jakob, M., and Hungr, O., Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 325–362,
https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-27129-5_14, 2005.
ZAMG: Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik, Central Institute
for Meteorology and Geodynamics, available at: http://zamg.ac.at, last
access: 6 October 2015.
Zehe, E., Ehret, U., Pfister, L., Blume, T., Schröder, B., Westhoff, M.,
Jackisch, C., Schymanski, S. J., Weiler, M., Schulz, K., Allroggen, N.,
Tronicke, J., van Schaik, L., Dietrich, P., Scherer, U., Eccard, J.,
Wulfmeyer, V., and Kleidon, A.: HESS Opinions: From response units to
functional units: a thermodynamic reinterpretation of the HRU concept to link
spatial organization and functioning of intermediate scale catchments,
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4635–4655,
https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4635-2014, 2014.
Short summary
Debris flows represent a severe hazard in mountain regions and so far remain difficult to predict. We applied a hydrological model to link not only precipitation, but also snowmelt, antecedent soil moisture, etc. with debris flow initiation in an Alpine watershed in Austria. Our results highlight the value of this more holistic perspective for developing a better understanding of debris flow initiation.
Debris flows represent a severe hazard in mountain regions and so far remain difficult to...
