The GEOframe-NewAge Modelling System Applied in a Data Scarce Environment

Abstract

In this work, the semi-distributed hydrological modeling system GEOframe-NewAge was integrated with a web-based decision support system implemented for the Civil Protection Agency of the Basilicata region, Italy. The aim of this research was to forecast in near real-time the most important hydrological variables at 160 control points distributed over the entire region. The major challenge was to make the system operational in a data-scarce region characterized by a high hydraulic complexity, with several dams and infrastructures. In fact, only six streamflow gauges were available for the calibration of the model parameters. Reliable parameter sets were obtained by simulating the hydrological budget and then calibrating the rainfall-runoff parameters. After the extraction of the flow-rating curves, six sets of parameters were obtained considering the different streamflow components (i.e., the baseflow and surface runoff) and using a multi-site calibration approach. The results show a good agreement between the measured and modeled discharges, with a better agreement in the sections located upstream of the dams. Moreover, the results were validated using the inflows measured at the most important dams (Pertusillo, San Giuliano and Monte Cotugno). For rivers without monitoring points, parameters were assigned using a principle of hydrological similarity in terms of their geology, lithology, and climate.

Comparing Evapotranspiration Estimates from the GEOframe-Prospero Model with Penman–Monteith and Priestley-Taylor Approaches under Different Climate Conditions

“…Components can be joined together to obtain multiple modeling solutions that can accomplish from simple to very complicated tasks. Thanks to its solid informatic infrastructure, GEOframe proved a great flexibility and a great robustness in several applications (e.g., [35,53,54]). More than 50 components are available, which can be grouped in the following categories: Using the components for geomorphic and DEM analyses [55], the basin can be discretized into Hydrological Response Units (HRUs), i.e., hydrologically similar parts, such as a catchment or a hillslope or one of its parts.…”

“…Snow melting and the snow water equivalent can also be simulated by three models, as described in [59]. Runoff production is performed by using the Embedded Reservoir Model (ERM) or a combination of its reservoirs [35]. The discharge generated at each hillslope is routed to the outlet using the Muskingum-Cunge method [35].…”

“…Runoff production is performed by using the Embedded Reservoir Model (ERM) or a combination of its reservoirs [35]. The discharge generated at each hillslope is routed to the outlet using the Muskingum-Cunge method [35]. Travel time analysis of a generic pollutant within the catchment can be done using the approach proposed in [60,61].…”

“…However, the SO equation has been upscaled in order to face the canopy T and the mass conservation. The model is implemented as a component in the GEOframe modelling system [34,35], which allows for the simulation of all the hydrological variables of the water budget at catchment scale. The integration of Prospero model within the GEOframe environment allows for the flexibility required to deal with multiple scale processes, and to switch different componentsoff or on, depending on the specific user's needs.…”