Hydrological model-based streamflow reconstruction for Indian sub-continental river basins, 1951–2021

Abstract

Streamflow is a vital component of the global water cycle. Long-term streamflow observations are required for water resources planning and management, hydroclimatic extremes analysis, and ecological assessment. However, long-term streamflow observations for the Indian-Subcontinental (ISC) river basins are lacking. Using meteorological observations, state-of-the-art hydrological model, and river routing model, we developed hydrological model-simulated monthly streamflow from 1951–2021 for the ISC river basins. We used high-resolution vector-based routing model (mizuRoute) to generate streamflow at 9579 stream reaches in the sub-continental river basins. The model-simulated streamflow showed good performance against the observed flow with coefficient of determination (R2) and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) above 0.70 for more than 60% of the gauge stations. The dataset was used to examine the variability in low, average, and high flow across the streams. Long-term changes in streamflow showed a significant decline in flow in the Ganga basin while an increase in the semi-arid western India and Indus basin. Long-term streamflow can be used for planning water management and climate change adaptation in the Indian sub-continent.

Enhanced Modulation of Streamflow Flash Droughts by Reservoir Operations in India

“…The Central Water Commission (CWC, Government of India) monitors and provides daily streamflow and reservoir storage for Indian river basins through the India‐WRIS platform. Previous studies used streamflow and reservoir storage data from India‐WRIS to examine the climate change impact on water availability in India (Asoka & Mishra, 2020; Chuphal & Mishra, 2023a; Mishra, 2020; Tiwari & Mishra, 2022). We selected 36 dams (height ≥100 m and capacity ≥1 km 3 ) from the National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) (Figure 1) based on the availability of observed streamflow and reservoir storage.…”

“…As streamflow and reservoir storage observations in the Indian subcontinental river basins are limited, simulations from the hydrological models can fill this critical gap (Asoka & Mishra, 2020; Chuphal & Mishra, 2023a; Tiwari & Mishra, 2019; Vegad & Mishra, 2022). Mahto and Mishra (2020) reported that India faces frequent flash droughts during the summer monsoon.…”

Natural streamflow reconstruction and quantification of hydrological drought in the Soan River basin, Pakistan

“…The metrological data of the "disturbed period" were used to calibrate the model to reconstruct the natural streamflow. During the disturbed period, the simulated streamflow is considered to be the natural streamflow, which is affected only by climatic factors (Chuphal & Mishra, 2023).…”

A Combined Seasonal Mann–Kendall and Innovative Approach for the Trend Analysis of Streamflow Rate in Two Croatian Rivers

“…Surveys have indicated a direct link between climate change's impact on water resources and shifts in the water cycle [5][6][7]. Increasing temperatures notably affect river flows through changes in rainfall patterns [8].…”

“…Therefore, understanding and mapping the water cycle's changes in detail is crucial for combating climate change and sustainably managing water resources. Additionally, Water 2024, 16, 1422 2 of 24 monitoring and analyzing the variability in hydrological variables (precipitation, evapotranspiration, and streamflow) are essential for assessing the impacts of climate change and to ensure the sustainable use of water resources [6,13]. Analysis of the trends of river flow is essential for effective water resource management and sustainability [14,15].…”