“…Applications of physically based models can be especially challenging, leading to overparameterizations that complicate inferences about process effects and contribute to large prediction uncertainties when the calibrated models are transferred to ungauged locations (e.g., Xia et al, ; Beven, ; McDonnell et al, ; Jakeman & Hornberger, ). In contrast, many continental‐scale applications have employed parsimonious mechanistic model structures with fewer controlling parameters (Archfield et al, ), but these simplified models have had mixed success at improving prediction accuracy (e.g., Bock et al, ; Arheimer et al, ). The methods for upscaling and spatial interpolation have included the following: the regionalization of catchment model parameters (e.g., Bock et al, ; Beck et al, ; Livneh & Lettenmaier, ) and measures of hydrological variability (e.g., Jehn et al, ; Addor et al, ) based on geographic proximity and similarities in hydrological and climatic conditions; the simultaneous calibration of models across representative catchments having similar watershed attributes (e.g., Arheimer et al, ); the use of spatial transfer functions based on the regression of catchment model parameters on watershed characteristics (e.g., Hundecha et al, ; Rakovec et al, ); and the aggregate use of model outcomes across large scales from independent calibrations in individual watersheds (e.g., Newman et al, ; Weiskel et al, ; Wolock & McCabe, ).…”