scholarly journals DEM Resolution Impact on the Estimation of the Physical Characteristics of Watersheds by Using SWAT

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waranyu Buakhao ◽  
Anongrit Kangrang

A digital elevation model (DEM) is an important spatial input for automatic extraction of topographic parameters for the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of DEM resolution (from 5 to 90 m) on the delineation process of a SWAT model with two types of watershed characteristics (flat area and mountain area) and three sizes of watershed area (about 20,000, 200,000, and 1,500,000 hectares). The results showed that the total lengths of the streamline, main channel slope, watershed area, and area slope were significantly different when using the DEM datasets to delineate. Delineation using the SRTM DEM (90 m), ASTER DEM (30 m), and LDD DEM (5 m) for all watershed characteristics showed that the watershed sizes and shapes obtained were only slightly different, whereas the area slopes obtained were significantly different. The total lengths of the generated streams increased when the resolution of the DEM used was higher. The stream slopes obtained using the small area sizes were insignificant, whereas the slopes obtained using the large area sizes were significantly different. This suggests that water resource model users should use the ASTER DEM as opposed to a finer resolution DEM for model input to save time for the model calibration and validation.

Author(s):  
Farinaz Gholami ◽  
Alireza Nemati ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Yang Hong ◽  
Junlong Zhang

The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of a watershed is one of the most important inputs in most hydrological analyses and plays a key role in the accurate prediction of various hydrological processes. Comprehensive knowledge of the impact of different DEM sources on the performance of a model is essential before utilizing the model. In this study, we evaluated the influence of TOPO1:25000, ASTER, and SRTM DEMs, as input, on the performance of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model for the prediction of surface runoff. We also investigated the effect of the resolution of the studied DEM sources on the accuracy of the SWAT model in the estimation of runoff. The second objective of this study was to identify the most influential and the least impactful input parameters on the performance of the SWAT model. We studied the Zarrineh River watershed in Iran as a case study to compare the effect of the aforementioned DEM types and DEM resolution on the output of the SWAT model. The outcomes of the study demonstrated that influential parameters on predicted runoff as well as a few watershed parameters, such as reach lengths, reach slopes, number of sub-basins, and the number of hydrologic response units (HRU), differs noticeably when the DEM source and resolution changes. It was also observed that simulated results over-predict the runoff during low precipitation periods and under-predict the runoff during high precipitation months, and the accuracy of the simulated results decreases by reducing the DEM resolution. The results showed that the SWAT model had the best performance when the TOPO1:25000 DEM was used as the input source. Low-resolution DEMs are available to a wider range of researchers. The outcomes of the current study can be employed to estimate the impact of low-resolution input data on the simulated result as well as substantially reduce the computation time by decreasing the input DEMresolution with only a minor reduction of accuracy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Nazari-Sharabian ◽  
Masoud Taheriyoun ◽  
Moses Karakouzian

Abstract This study investigates the impact of different digital elevation model (DEM) resolutions on the topological attributes and simulated runoff, as well as the sensitivity of runoff parameters in the Mahabad Dam watershed in Iran. The watershed and streamlines were delineated in ArcGIS, and the hydrologic analyses were performed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). The sensitivity analysis on runoff parameters was performed, using the Sequential Uncertainties FItting Ver. 2 algorithm, in the SWAT Calibration and Uncertainty Procedures (SWAT-CUP) program. The results indicated that the sensitivity of runoff parameters, watershed surface area, and elevations changed under different DEM resolutions. As the distribution of slopes changed using different DEMs, surface parameters were most affected. Furthermore, higher amounts of runoff were generated when DEMs with finer resolutions were implemented. In comparison with the observed value of 8 m3/s at the watershed outlet, the 12.5 m DEM showed more realistic results (6.77 m3/s). Comparatively, the 12.5 m DEM generated 0.74% and 2.73% more runoff compared with the 30 and 90 m DEMs, respectively. The findings of this study indicate that in order to reduce computation time, researchers may use DEMs with coarser resolutions at the expense of minor decreases in accuracy.


Author(s):  
Abdata Galata

Modelling the hydrological characteristics of watershed is a method of understanding behavior and simulating the water balance components of watershed for planning and development of integrated water resources management. The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) physically based hydrological modelling was used for modelling hydrologic characteristics of the Hangar watershed. The data used for this study were digital elevation model (DEM), land use land cover data, soil map, climatological and hydrological data. The model calibrated and validated using measured streamflow data of 13 years (1990-2002) and 9 years (2003-2011) respectively including warm-up period. The SWAT model performs well for both calibration (R2 = 0.87, NSE = 0.82 and PBIAS = +1.4) and validation (R2 = 0.89, NSE = 0.88 and PBIAS = +1.2). The sensitivity analysis, which was carried out using 18 SWAT parameters, identified the 13 most sensitive parameters controlling the output variable and with which goodness-of-fit was reached. The analysis results indicated that the watershed receives around, 9.6%, 59.9%, and 30.5% precipitation during dry, wet and short rainy seasons respectively. The received precipitation was lost by 9.6 %, 40.5%, and 41.3% in the form of evapotranspiration for each seasons correspondingly. The surface runoff contribution to the Watershed were 3.8%, and 79.2% during dry and wet seasons respectively, whereas, it contributes by 17.0% during short rainy seasons.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Nazari-Sharabian ◽  
Moses Karakouzian ◽  
Sajjad Ahmad

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are essential in watershed delineation, but the sensitivity of simulated runoff to DEM resolution is poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of DEM resolution on topological attributes and simulated runoff in the Mahabad Dam watershed, Iran. To delineate the watershed, DEMs with 12.5 m, 30 m, and 90 m resolutions were acquired from the ALOS PALSAR, Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), and ASTER global DEM data source, respectively. Watershed and streamlines were delineated in ArcGIS, with hydrologic analyses performed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Sensitivity analysis on parameters contributing to runoff was done using Sequential Uncertainties Fitting Ver-2 (SUFI-2) Algorithm, in SWAT Calibration and Uncertainty Procedures (SWAT-CUP) software. Results showed the watershed area, reach lengths, and elevations in the watershed varied due to DEM resolutions. Higher amounts of runoff were generated when DEMs with finer resolutions were implemented. The 12.5 m DEM generated 3.48% and 0.42% more runoff compared with 90 m and 30 m DEMs, respectively. SWAT-CUP results showed the sensitivity of parameters contributing to runoff changes under different DEM resolutions. Regardless of DEM resolution, surface properties, available water capacity, and moisture levels in the soil are the most sensitive parameters. As the distribution of slope changes in different DEM resolutions, surface parameters are most affected. The findings indicate to reduce computation time and speed up computation procedures, researchers may use DEMs with coarser resolutions at the expense of minor decreases in accuracy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adisu Befekadu Kebede

This study aimed to model the flow of streams and identify the sub-basins responsible for the high flow in the Didessa watershed, southwest Ethiopia, considering the regional soils types. Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to simulate stream flow and quantify surface runoff. The input data used were Digital Elevation Model (DEM), land use/land cover map, soil map and metrological data. The data were obtained from Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity and National Meteorology Agency of Ethiopia. Simulation of SWAT was used to identify the most vulnerable sub-basins to the hydrological process. The model was calibrated and validated using the stream flow data. The simulated stream flow was calibrated by the SWAT-CUP2012 calibration sub-model of SWAT-CUP SUFI2. Sensitivity analysis showed that curve numbers (CN2), ALPHA-BNK and CH-K2 are the most sensitive top three parameters. The R2 and Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values were used to examine the model performance. The results indicate 0.84 and 0.80 for R2 and 0.65 and 0.54 for NSE during calibration and validation, respectively. The average annual surface runoff in the delineated catchment was 774.13 mm. Changes in precipitation explained 89% of the variation in surface runoff, as more than 89% of precipitation from the catchment converted to surface runoff. The most three annual surface runoffs contributing were the 11, 23 and 5 sub-basins. INFLUÊNCIA DO TIPO DE SOLO NO FLUXO DE CÓRREGOS PARA A BACIA SUPERIOR DO RIO DIDESSA, SUDOESTE DA ETIÓPIA UTILIZANDO O MODELO SWATResumoEste estudo teve como objetivo modelar o fluxo de córregos e identificar as sub-bacias responsáveis pelo alto fluxo na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Didessa, sudoeste da Etiópia, considerando os tipos de solos regionais. O modelo SWAT (Solo and Water Assessment Tool) foi utilizado para simular o fluxo da corrente e quantificar o escoamento superficial. Os dados de entrada utilizados foram o Modelo Digital de Elevação (DEM), mapa de uso / cobertura do solo, mapa do solo e dados metrológicos. Os dados foram obtidos no Ministério da Água, Irrigação e Eletricidade e Agência Nacional de Meteorologia da Etiópia. A simulação do SWAT foi utilizada para identificar as sub-bacias mais vulneráveis ao processo hidrológico. O modelo foi calibrado e validado usando os dados de fluxo dos córregos. O fluxo de corrente simulado foi calibrado pelo submodelo de calibração SWAT-CUP2012, do SWAT-CUP SUFI2. A análise de sensibilidade mostrou que os números da curva (CN2), ALPHA-BNK e CH-K2 são os três principais parâmetros mais sensíveis. Os valores de R2 e Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) foram usados para examinar o desempenho do modelo. Os resultados indicam 0,84 e 0,80 para R2 e 0,65 e 0,54 para NSE durante a calibração e validação, respectivamente. O escoamento superficial médio anual na bacia hidrográfica foi de 774,13 mm. Mudanças na precipitação explicaram 89% da variação no escoamento superficial, pois mais de 89% da precipitação da bacia foi convertida em escoamento superficial. As sub-bacias 11, 23 e 5 foram as que mais contribuíram para os fluxos superficiais anuais da Bacia do Rio Didessa. Palavras-chave: Tipo de solo. Análise sensitiva. Fluxo de córregos. Swat-Cup. Bacia Superior do Rio.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 4411-4435 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Lin ◽  
C. Jing ◽  
V. Chaplot ◽  
X. Yu ◽  
Z. Zhang ◽  
...  

Abstract. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) have been successfully used in a large range of environmental issues. Several methods such as digital contour interpolation and remote sensing have allowed the generation of DEMs, some of which are now freely available for almost the entire globe. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is a widely used semi-distributed model operating at the watershed level and has previously been shown to be very sensitive to the quality of the input topographic information. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of DEMs generated from different data sources, respectively DLG5m (local Digital Line Graph, 5 m interval), ASTER30m (1 arc-s ASTER Global DEM Version 1, approximately 30 m resolution), and SRTM90m (3 arc-s SRTM Version 4, approximately 90 m resolution), on SWAT predictions for runoff, sediment, total phosphor (TP) and total nitrogen (TN). Eleven resolutions, from 5 m to 140 m, were considered in this study. Results indicate that the predictions of TPs and TNs decreased substantially with coarser resampled resolution. Slightly decreased trends could be found in the predicted sediments when DEMs were resampled to coarser resolutions. Predicted runoffs were not sensitive to resampled resolutions. The predicted outputs based on DLG5m were more sensitive to resampled resolutions than those based on ASTER30m and SRTM90m. At original resolutions, the predicted outputs based on ASTER30m and SRTM90m were similar, but the predicted TNs and TPs based on ASTER30m and SRTM90m were much lower than the one based on DLG5m. For the predicted TNs and TPs, which were substantially sensitive to DEM resolutions, the output accuracies of SWAT derived from ASTER30m and SRTM90m could be improved by down-scaled resampling, but they could not improve on finer DEM (DLG5m) at the same resolution. This study helps GIS environmental model users to understand the sensitivities of SWAT to DEM resolution, and choose feasible DEM data for environmental models.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahmoud Saleh Al-Khafaji ◽  
Fouad Hussein Al-Sweiti

Abstract. Complemental interactive effects of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Land Cover (LC) resolutions on the estimated runoff by using Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), which is of critical importance for water resource management, was investigated in this paper. Also, to specify the optimal DEM and LC resolutions for maximizing accuracy of the estimated runoff for Dokan, Adhaim, and Duhok watersheds located in Iraq. Twenty daily time step based SWAT models of each watershed were implemented using five DEMs in conjunction with five LCs. Assessment of models results shows that the watershed delineation significantly affected by DEM resolution, especially in flat regions. However, there is no clearly discernible trend of this effect on the determination of watershed boundary, stream network, number of sub-basins and total area. Furthermore, the number of Hydrologic Response Units (HRUs) and the maximum altitudes are directly related to the DEM whereas the minimum altitudes have an inverse relationship with the DEM. Also, the number of HRUs increases with the increase in LC resolution until it reaches a maximum value and then starts to gradually decrease. While there is no significant trend between the accuracy of the estimated runoff and the increase in the DEM and LC resolutions. The most accurate estimated runoffs of Dokan, Adhaim and Duhok Watersheds were obtained by using DEM 90 m and LC 1000 m, DEM 250 m and LC 1000 m, and DEM 30 m and LC 30 m with Nash and Sutcliffe Efficiency of 0.59, 0.68 and 0.69 respectively.


Author(s):  
Ting-Pin Chiu 1 ◽  
Su-Fen Wang 2

Topographic correction models (TCMs) are valid on satellite image data preprocessing steps. The illumination angle may be sensitive to different terrain slope and aspect conditions base on sun-terrain-sensor geometry. Although the topographic correction is influenced by the sun azimuth and zenith angle, the correction result can be equally in the same image status. By contrast, the terrain factors change with different digital elevation model (DEM) resolution in the topographic correction equations and cause a significant effect. Slope is sensitive in rugged terrain, and aspect is impressionable at flat surface at a coarse DEM resolution data. As the DEM resolution lead a distinct result on TCMs, this research is aimed to examine the impact of DEM resolution on the accuracy of terrain representation and of the gradient determined. In this study, five TCMs, including cosine correction, C correction, SCS correction, SCS+C correction and Minnaert correction models are compared by different resolutions using SPOT image data. The 5 meter DEM obtained from Ministry of the interior will be resampled to 10 to 500 meters to test those topographic models sustainability on Lienhuachih Research Center. The accuracy of five topographic correction models base on different DEM resolution will be evaluated by root-mean-square error (RMSE).


Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1548
Author(s):  
Suresh Marahatta ◽  
Deepak Aryal ◽  
Laxmi Prasad Devkota ◽  
Utsav Bhattarai ◽  
Dibesh Shrestha

This study aims at analysing the impact of climate change (CC) on the river hydrology of a complex mountainous river basin—the Budhigandaki River Basin (BRB)—using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model that was calibrated and validated in Part I of this research. A relatively new approach of selecting global climate models (GCMs) for each of the two selected RCPs, 4.5 (stabilization scenario) and 8.5 (high emission scenario), representing four extreme cases (warm-wet, cold-wet, warm-dry, and cold-dry conditions), was applied. Future climate data was bias corrected using a quantile mapping method. The bias-corrected GCM data were forced into the SWAT model one at a time to simulate the future flows of BRB for three 30-year time windows: Immediate Future (2021–2050), Mid Future (2046–2075), and Far Future (2070–2099). The projected flows were compared with the corresponding monthly, seasonal, annual, and fractional differences of extreme flows of the simulated baseline period (1983–2012). The results showed that future long-term average annual flows are expected to increase in all climatic conditions for both RCPs compared to the baseline. The range of predicted changes in future monthly, seasonal, and annual flows shows high uncertainty. The comparative frequency analysis of the annual one-day-maximum and -minimum flows shows increased high flows and decreased low flows in the future. These results imply the necessity for design modifications in hydraulic structures as well as the preference of storage over run-of-river water resources development projects in the study basin from the perspective of climate resilience.


Hydrology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sekela Twisa ◽  
Shija Kazumba ◽  
Mathew Kurian ◽  
Manfred F. Buchroithner

Understanding the variation in the hydrological response of a basin associated with land use changes is essential for developing management strategies for water resources. The impact of hydrological changes caused by expected land use changes may be severe for the Wami river system, given its role as a crucial area for water, providing food and livelihoods. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of land use changes on various elements of the hydrological processes of the basin. Hybrid classification, which includes unsupervised and supervised classification techniques, is used to process the images (2000 and 2016), while CA–Markov chain analysis is used to forecast and simulate the 2032 land use state. In the current study, a combined approach—including a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR)—is used to explore the influences of individual land use classes on fluctuations in the hydrological components. From the study, it is evident that land use has changed across the basin since 2000 (which is expected to continue in 2032), as well as that the hydrological effects caused by land use changes were observed. It has been found that the major land use changes that affected hydrology components in the basin were expansion of cultivation land, built-up area and grassland, and decline in natural forests and woodland during the study period. These findings provide baseline information for decision-makers and stakeholders concerning land and water resources for better planning and management decisions in the basin resources’ use.


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