Title: | Integrating climate forecasts with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for high-resolution hydrologic simulations and forecasts in the Southeastern U.S. |
Authors: | Sehgal, V., V. Sridhar, L. Juran and J.A. Ogejo |
Year: | 2018 |
Journal: | Sustainability |
Volume (Issue): | 10(9) |
Pages: | |
Article ID: | 3079 |
DOI: | 10.3390/su10093079 |
URL (non-DOI journals): | |
Model: | SWAT |
Broad Application Category: | hydrologic only |
Primary Application Category: | hydrologic assessment |
Secondary Application Category: | sensitivity analysis |
Watershed Description: | 50 watersheds located in the southeast part of the U.S. |
Calibration Summary: | |
Validation Summary: | |
General Comments: | |
Abstract: | This study provides high-resolution modeling of daily water budget components at
Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC)-12 resolution for 50 watersheds of the South Atlantic Gulf (SAG)
region in the southeastern U.S. (SEUS) by implementing the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)
model in the form of a near real-time, semi-automated framework. A near real-time hydrologic
simulation framework is implemented with a lead time of nine months (March–December 2017) by
integrating the calibrated SWAT model with National Centers for Environmental Prediction coupled
forecast system model version 2 (CFSv2) weather data to forecast daily water balance components.
The modeling exercise is conducted as a precursor for various future hydrologic studies (retrospective
or forecasting) for the region by providing a calibrated hydrological dataset at high spatial (HUC-12)
and temporal (1-day) resolution. The models are calibrated (January 2003–December 2010) and
validated (January 2011–December 2013) for each watershed using the observed streamflow data
from 50 United States Geological Survey (USGS) gauging stations. The water balance analysis for the
region shows that the implemented models satisfactorily represent the hydrology of the region across
different sub-regions (Appalachian highlands, plains, and coastal wetlands) and seasons. While
CFSv2-driven SWAT models are able to provide reasonable performance in near real-time and can be
used for decision making in the region, caution is advised for using model outputs as the streamflow
forecasts display significant deviation from observed streamflow for all watersheds for lead times
greater than a month. |
Language: | English |
Keywords: | hydrologic modeling; soil moisture; SWAT; southeastern U.S.; CFSv2; HUC-12 |