Application of a Macro-Scale Hydrological Model over Netravati River Basin, India

Abstract

Water availability is one of the major issues that need attention from the present generation across the whole world to attain sustainability. Spatial variation of water resources and climatic changes are main reasons for the extremes such as droughts and floods. This urges for precise estimation of streamflow, which is typically carried out by hydrologic modelling approaches. This paper presents an application of a macro-scale hydrological model namely, variable infiltration capacity (VIC) over the Netravati River Basin, India. The water balance is modelled at a grid resolution of 0.05°x0.05°. The model was executed for the period of fifteen years i.e., 2000-2014. The period of 2000-2009 was used to calibrate the model for adjustment of the sensitive parameters affecting the discharge of the river basin. The calibrated model was validated for the duration of 2010-2014. The results reveal the model simulations to have a good compatibility with respect to the monthly observed flows. During the validation period, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) were found to be 0.71 and 0.76 respectively, justifying the applicability of the model over the basin for streamflow estimations. This study can be helpful for drought and flood monitoring as well as for implementing strategies for better planning and management. © 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.