New Publication: Evaluating the ability of a hydrologic model to replicate hydro-ecologically relevant indicators

Two PCIC scientists are co-authors of a recent paper in the journal Hydrological Processes. In the paper, Shrestha and colleagues (2013) evaluate the ability of a standard hydrologic model set-up (Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC)) to simulate a number of general water resource indicators (such as median seasonal flows and annual volume) and ecologically-relevant indicators of hydrologic alterations (such as the monthly flow and number of low and high pulses in a year). Both observational data and statistically downscaled global climate model output were used and the regions chosen were the Salmon and Willow headwater sub-basins in the Fraser River, in British Columbia. The authors find that, though the model set-up had good skill in replicating some of the indicators, the observed and modelled results had discrepancies for some of the indicators. Shrestha et al. note some reasons for the discrepancies and emphasize a need to exercise caution in the use of model-simulated indicators.

This paper is available through our Publications Library.

Shrestha, R.R., D.L. Peters and M.A. Schnorbus 2013: Evaluating the ability of a hydrologic model to replicate hydro-ecologically relevant indicators. Hydrological Processes. doi: 10.1002/hyp.9997