Hydrological response characteristics of Mediterranean catchments at different time scales: a meta-analysis

Abstract

This work examines 140 hydrological studies conducted in the Mediterranean region. It identifies key characteristics of the hydrological responses of Mediterranean catchments at various time scales and compares different methods and modelling approaches used for individual-catchment studies. The study area is divided into the northwestern (NWM), eastern (EM) and southern (SM) Mediterranean. The analysis indicates regional discrepancies in which the NWM shows the most extreme rainfall regime. A tendency for reduced water resources driven by both anthropogenic and climatic pressures and a more extreme rainfall regime are also noticeable. Catchments show very heterogeneous responses over time and space, resulting in limitations in hydrological modelling and large uncertainties in predictions. However, few models have been developed to address these issues. Additional studies are necessary to improve the knowledge of Mediterranean hydrological features and to account for regional specificities.ARTICLE HISTORY

A database on flash flood events in Campania, southern Italy, with an evaluation of their spatial and temporal distribution

“…Such floods are localized hydrological phenomena, occurring in small catchments of a few to a few hundred square kilometers, with response times typically being a few hours or less (Borga et al, 2007). Flash floods are typical of small Mediterranean catchments (SMCs) that have three main features: limited water resources, dry summers, and high-intensity rainfall events (Merheb et al, 2016). The Mediterranean climate is associated with intense rainstorms; convective thunderstorms are frequently less than 10-14 km in diameter and result in highly concentrated local rainfall events varying considerably both spatially and temporally (Perrin et al, 2009).…”

The Curve Number Concept as a Driver for Delineating Hydrological Response Units

“…For instance, a number of Mediterranean watersheds lie in highly permeable terrain (e.g., limestone, dolomite, karst), resulting in very low runoff rates [71]. According to the typical classification by SCS, these should be classified in to Group A, representing sand, loamy sand or sandy loam types of soils.…”

Enhancing flood hazard estimation methods on alluvial fans using an integrated hydraulic, geological and geomorphological approach

“…Alluvial fan floods are considered to be serious hazards, since the flooding that emerges from the apex of an alluvial fan, moves fiercely downstream while carrying a large amount of substrate load and debris (King and Mifflin, 1991;Coe et al, 2003;Garfi et al, 2007;Merheb et al, 2016). Moreover, alluvial fans are made of larger size sediments which may have some degree of cohesive material that lies on a steep slope.…”