Hydrology

22 pages, 14250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of Drawdown Dolines and Subsidence Dolines with the Comparison of Their Bedrock Resistivities—A Case Study

by Márton Veress

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010012 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

The effect of the epikarst on the development of drawdown dolines and subsidence dolines is described. For this, the resistivity values of the bedrock determined by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) measurements were used. The higher resistivities below drawdown dolines are explained by the [...] Read more.

The effect of the epikarst on the development of drawdown dolines and subsidence dolines is described. For this, the resistivity values of the bedrock determined by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) measurements were used. The higher resistivities below drawdown dolines are explained by the deeper position of the piezometric surface, while the low resistivity values below subsidence dolines can be traced back to the more elevated position of the piezometric surface. Resistivities increasing towards the centre of drawdown dolines refer to cavity heterogeneity increasing towards the centre and increasing vertical percolation rate, while decreasing resistivity values indicate an increasing degree of cavity fill above the piezometric level. At their asymmetrical variety, the bedrock of their opposite slope is of asymmetric resistivity, which is explained by the different elevations of the piezometric surface and the latter by different infiltration that took place on slopes with different inclinations. The same resistivity values of the doline with a flat floor indicate the homogeneous cavity formation of the epikarst. This latter results in homogeneous vertical infiltration, which favours horizontal dissolution. The piezometric surface is not deflecting below the subsidence dolines because resistivity differences are small between the bedrock below the doline and the bedrock of its environment. Below subsidence doline, above the piezometric surface, cavities develop (the resistivity is higher relative to the resistivity of the environment), and then the cavities become filled by suffosion (therefore, the resistivity below the doline is lower relative to its environment). The passage below the doline develops into a shaft as a result of its concentrated water supply and the epikarst is separated into parts. Full article

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24 pages, 664 KiB

Open AccessReview

Modeling Groundwater Resources in Data-Scarce Regions for Sustainable Management: Methodologies and Limits

by Iolanda Borzì

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010011 - 9 Jan 2025

Abstract

Groundwater modeling in data-scarce regions faces significant challenges due to the lack of comprehensive, high-quality data, impacting model accuracy. This systematic review of Scopus-indexed papers identifies various approaches to address these challenges, including coupled hydrological-groundwater models, machine learning techniques, distributed hydrological models, water [...] Read more.

Groundwater modeling in data-scarce regions faces significant challenges due to the lack of comprehensive, high-quality data, impacting model accuracy. This systematic review of Scopus-indexed papers identifies various approaches to address these challenges, including coupled hydrological-groundwater models, machine learning techniques, distributed hydrological models, water balance models, 3D groundwater flow modeling, geostatistical techniques, remote sensing-based approaches, isotope-based methods, global model downscaling, and integrated modeling approaches. Each methodology offers unique advantages for groundwater assessment and management in data-poor environments, often combining multiple data sources and modeling techniques to overcome limitations. However, these approaches face common challenges related to data quality, scale transferability, and the representation of complex hydrogeological processes. This review emphasizes the importance of adapting methodologies to specific regional contexts and data availability. It underscores the value of combining multiple data sources and modeling techniques to provide robust estimates for sustainable groundwater management. The choice of method ultimately depends on the specific objectives, scale of the study, and available data in the region of interest. Future research should focus on improving the integration of diverse data sources, enhancing the representation of complex hydrogeological processes in simplified models, and developing robust uncertainty quantification methods tailored for data-scarce conditions. Full article

10 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Stage Method of the Water Environmental Capacity Flood Season in the Ningxia Section of the Yellow River

by Yu Song and Hongrui Wang

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010010 - 8 Jan 2025

Abstract

The rational use of the water environmental resources of the main stream of the Yellow River, which is the mother river of the Chinese nation, and the control of and reduction in water environmental pollution, especially in relation to water quality safety, have [...] Read more.

The rational use of the water environmental resources of the main stream of the Yellow River, which is the mother river of the Chinese nation, and the control of and reduction in water environmental pollution, especially in relation to water quality safety, have become important issues that must be considered in Ningxia’s economic and social development. Due to the influence of monsoons, river runoff in most of the river basins in China is mainly concentrated in the flood season, and its distribution is extremely uneven within and among years. Therefore, an analysis of the seasonal change law of heavy rainfall and flooding and a scientific and rational staging of the flood season can fully demonstrate the comprehensive benefits of the river and also address the inevitable need to master and utilize the capacity of the water environment. In this study, the abundant, level, and absent year division of the Ningxia section of the main stream of the Yellow River was carried out using the percentage of parity and the guarantee rate methods. Several commonly used flood periods staging methods were studied, and their applicable conditions were preliminarily analyzed. The research results not only provide a reference for the relevant management departments, a decision-making basis for rational planning, and the scientific and appropriate development of river basins but they also have scientific research significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Urban Hydrology and Stormwater Management)

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17 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design Flood Calculation Model for Extra-Small Watersheds in Ungauged Basin

by Yun Wang, Zengchuan Dong, Xinhua Zhu, Wenzhuo Wang, Yupeng Liu, Ronghao Chen and Yunjia He

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010009 - 7 Jan 2025

Abstract

Designing floods in ungauged watersheds with limited data is a significant challenge in water conservancy projects. To address this, the method of calculating the design flood peak and flood volume using the weighted average method was proposed, which is based on the instantaneous [...] Read more.

Designing floods in ungauged watersheds with limited data is a significant challenge in water conservancy projects. To address this, the method of calculating the design flood peak and flood volume using the weighted average method was proposed, which is based on the instantaneous unit hydrograph method and the inference formula method, combined with the characteristics of heavy rainfall floods in ungauged watersheds. The calculation results are analyzed in terms of reasonableness through the distribution pattern of the flood peak modulus under different frequencies of the constructed reservoirs, the relative error analysis, and the HEC-RAS model. Based on the one-day flood process of the adjacent basin, the calculation of deducing the design flood process using the hydrological comparison method was proposed. Taking the “Stormwater Runoff Chart” as the data source, the runoff generation, and concentration model was established with the design flood of Baludi Reservoir in the Gelangram River basin of Menglian, Yunnan Province as the research object. A comparative study of the results of the design floods calculated by different methods was carried out. The results show that the new method can well describe the rainstorm process. The method has better performance in the application to the design flood calculation of ungauged basins due to its consideration of the influence of subsurface conditions. The method not only reduces the construction cost but also improves the safety of the reservoir through a better-fitted design flood calculation. Full article

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21 pages, 5692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic Column Evaluation of Potential Construction Options for Lessening Solute Mobility in Backfill Aquifers in Restored Coal Mine Pits, Powder River Basin, USA

by Jeff B. Langman and Julianna Martin

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010008 - 7 Jan 2025

Abstract

Following open-pit coal mining in the Powder River Basin, landscape reconstruction includes the construction of backfill aquifers from overburden waste rock. With overburden disaggregation and the re-introduction of groundwater, the weathering of newly available mineral surfaces and mobilization of nanomaterials can impact groundwater [...] Read more.

Following open-pit coal mining in the Powder River Basin, landscape reconstruction includes the construction of backfill aquifers from overburden waste rock. With overburden disaggregation and the re-introduction of groundwater, the weathering of newly available mineral surfaces and mobilization of nanomaterials can impact groundwater quality even when such issues were not previously detected in the overburden’s groundwater. Kinetic columns of Powder River Basin waste rock were used to evaluate backfill construction options—zeolite amendment, and soil amendment, compaction, rinse—that could reduce potential groundwater quality impacts. The leachate from each column was collected twice weekly for 20 weeks. The Eh and pH of the leachate substantially varied during an initial high-weathering period indicative of the traditional weathering of newly exposed mineral surfaces and the weathering and flushing of mobile particles. Correspondingly, select elements, such as arsenic and cadmium, were present in relatively high concentrations during this initial weathering period. Waste rock that was compacted or rinsed produced leachate with less solutes and potential contaminants when compared to the unaltered and zeolite- and soil-amended waste rock. Greater compaction during backfilling is possible but may require additional consideration for connecting the surface drainage network to the surrounding area. Rinsing of the waste rock is a viable construction option because of the temporary storage of the waste rock prior to backfilling but would require leachate collection for contaminant treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Transport, Transformation and Cycling of Elements in Water and Soil and Their Response to Human Activities)

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22 pages, 7144 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attribution of the Climate and Land Use Change Impact on the Hydrological Processes of Athabasca River Basin, Canada

by Sharad Aryal, Mukand S. Babel, Anil Gupta, Babak Farjad, Dibesh Khadka and Quazi K. Hassan

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010007 - 7 Jan 2025

Abstract

Climate change (CC) and land use/land cover change (LULCC) are significant drivers of hydrological change, and an effective watershed management requires a detailed understanding of their individual and the combined impact. This study focused on the Athabasca River Basin (ARB), Canada, and investigated [...] Read more.

Climate change (CC) and land use/land cover change (LULCC) are significant drivers of hydrological change, and an effective watershed management requires a detailed understanding of their individual and the combined impact. This study focused on the Athabasca River Basin (ARB), Canada, and investigated how the basin responded to their changes using the MIKE SHE-MIKE Hydro River. Our findings revealed novel insights into ARB hydrological changes, including increment in non-vegetated lands (0.26%), savannas (1.28%), forests (0.53%), and urban areas (0.02%) while grasslands (2.07%) and shrublands (0.03%) decreased. Moreover, the basin experienced rising annual minimum (1.01 °C) and maximum (0.85 °C) temperatures but declining precipitation (6.2%). The findings suggested a significant impact of CC compared to LULCC as CC caused annual reduction in streamflow (7.9%), evapotranspiration (4.8%), and recharge (6.9%). Meanwhile, LULCC reduced streamflow (0.2%) and recharge (0.4%) but increased evapotranspiration (0.1%). The study revealed spatiotemporal variability across the ARB, with temperature impacts stronger in winter and precipitation influencing other seasons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Modelling for the Sustainable Management of Water Resources in River Basins)

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21 pages, 2112 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climatic Factors Influencing Aleppo Pine Sap Flow in Orographic Valleys Under Two Contrasting Mediterranean Climates

by Ana M. Sabater, José Antonio Valiente, Juan Bellot and Alberto Vilagrosa

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010006 - 6 Jan 2025

Abstract

Global climate change projections highlight the Mediterranean Basin as one of the most susceptible areas to the effects of intense and prolonged droughts, as well as increasing air temperatures. Accordingly, the productivity and survival of forests in this area will depend on their [...] Read more.

Global climate change projections highlight the Mediterranean Basin as one of the most susceptible areas to the effects of intense and prolonged droughts, as well as increasing air temperatures. Accordingly, the productivity and survival of forests in this area will depend on their ability to resist and adapt to increasingly drier conditions. Different climatic conditions across the Mediterranean Basin could drive differences in forest functioning, requiring trees to acclimate to them. Sea breeze dynamics along orographic valleys can also influence climatic conditions, accentuating differences between inland and coastal forests. However, there is limited information on whether the climatic factors regulating tree transpiration in Aleppo pine forest in orographic valleys vary according to climate. This study aims to identify and compare the climatic factors that regulate tree transpiration along a gradient and determine the thresholds at which these factors affect transpiration rates. This study was carried out by means of sap flow gauges, since this technique is a key feature for quantifying and understanding tree transpiration. It was conducted in two Aleppo pine dry sub-humid forests (inland and coastal, 750 and 675 trees ha⁻¹, respectively) and in two pine semi-arid forests (inland and coastal, 600 and 400 trees ha⁻¹, respectively) in the western Mediterranean basin during January–November of 2021. No significant rainfall events or droughts were recorded during the period of study, indicating a standard climatic condition in these areas. The main findings demonstrated that the variability in sap flow could be attributed to the interaction between soil water content and vapour pressure deficit in all the forests studied. However, the highest threshold values of these climatic factors in relation to the increase or decrease in maximum sap flow (i.e., less sensitivity) were exhibited in semi-arid forests, highlighting the adaptability of Aleppo pine to more limiting climatic conditions. These findings are relevant for the consequences of the predicted increase in harsh climatic conditions and the balance among vapour pressure deficit, temperature and soil water availability. Future research will be essential to confirm forest acclimatisation in the transitional dry to semi-arid forest ecosystems predicted by global climate change projections, given their potential to strongly alter ecosystem function and water cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecohydrology)

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16 pages, 4228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Temporal Variability of Extreme Hydroclimatic Events in the Bani River Basin

by Fousseini Kouyaté, François Kossi Guédjé, Assane Ndiaye and Orou Moctar Ganni Mampo

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010005 - 5 Jan 2025

Abstract

Severe hydroclimatic events affect ecosystems and human livelihoods, creating significant challenges for managing water resources. This study analyzed the rainfall and river flow trends in the Bani River Basin (BRB) from 1991 to 2020. Using indices such as the maximum rainfall over a [...] Read more.

Severe hydroclimatic events affect ecosystems and human livelihoods, creating significant challenges for managing water resources. This study analyzed the rainfall and river flow trends in the Bani River Basin (BRB) from 1991 to 2020. Using indices such as the maximum rainfall over a one-day period (RX1DAY), maximum rainfall over a five-day period (RX5DAY), rainfall exceeding the 95th percentile (R95P), simple daily precipitation intensity (SDII), and peak discharge (Qmax), the modified Mann–Kendall test and Pettitt’s test were applied to assess the trends and identify potential breakpoints. The results revealed spatial variability, with southern regions showing reduced rainfall, while northeastern areas exhibit increasing extreme rainfall and river flow. The RX5DAY declined significantly after 2000, reflecting reductions in prolonged rainfall events, followed by the RX1DAY, which declined significantly after 2012, indicating a reduction in short-duration extremes. In contrast, the R99P, SDII, and Qmax exhibited positive trends, indicating intensifying rainfall intensity and extremes in discharge. A notable breakpoint was detected in 1993, marking a transition to increased extreme flows. The highest values of the rainfall indices (R95P, R99P, RX1DAY, RX5DAY, SDII) were concentrated in the southern part of the basin, while the north recorded lower values. These results highlight the basin’s vulnerability to climate variability and provide insights into hydroclimatic changes, serving as a basis for informed decision-making and future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Statistical Hydrology)

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21 pages, 2960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Precipitation Rates from Global Datasets for the Five-Year Period from 2019 to 2023

by Heike Hartmann

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010004 - 1 Jan 2025

Abstract

Precipitation is a fundamental component of the hydrologic cycle and is an extremely important variable in meteorological, climatological, and hydrological studies. Reliable climate information including accurate precipitation data is essential for identifying precipitation trends and variability as well as applying hydrologic models for [...] Read more.

Precipitation is a fundamental component of the hydrologic cycle and is an extremely important variable in meteorological, climatological, and hydrological studies. Reliable climate information including accurate precipitation data is essential for identifying precipitation trends and variability as well as applying hydrologic models for purposes such as estimating (surface) water availability and predicting flooding. In this study, I compared precipitation rates from five reanalysis datasets and one analysis dataset—the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis Version 5 (ERA-5), the Japanese 55-Year Reanalysis (JRA-55), the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2), the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis 1 (NCEP/NCAR R1), the NCEP/Department of Energy Reanalysis 2 (NCEP/DOE R2), and the NCEP/Climate Forecast System Version 2 (NCEP/CFSv2)—with the merged satellite and rain gauge dataset from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project in Version 2.3 (GPCPv2.3). The latter was taken as a reference due to its global availability including the oceans. Monthly mean precipitation rates of the most recent five-year period from 2019 to 2023 were chosen for this comparison, which included calculating differences, percentage errors, Spearman correlation coefficients, and root mean square errors (RMSEs). ERA-5 showed the highest agreement with the reference dataset with the lowest mean and maximum percentage errors, the highest mean correlation, and the smallest mean RMSE. The highest mean and maximum percentage errors as well as the lowest correlations were observed between NCEP/NCAR R1 and GPCPv2.3. NCEP/DOE R2 showed significantly higher precipitation rates than the reference dataset (only JRA-55 precipitation rates were higher), the second lowest correlations, and the highest mean RMSE. Full article

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22 pages, 4867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Precipitation, Streamflow, and Sediment Transport of the Hangman Creek in the Pacific Northwest, USA: Implication for Agricultural Conservation Practice Implementation

by Yongping Yuan and Sean Kanyuk

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010003 - 31 Dec 2024

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change and changes to land use and land management practices can have significant impacts on streamflow and sediment transport. In this study, we investigated long-term precipitation, streamflow, and suspended sediment load patterns within the Hangman Creek watershed, draining from the Rocky [...] Read more.

Anthropogenic climate change and changes to land use and land management practices can have significant impacts on streamflow and sediment transport. In this study, we investigated long-term precipitation, streamflow, and suspended sediment load patterns within the Hangman Creek watershed, draining from the Rocky Mountains in Idaho to Washington, to identify the magnitude of changes with the goal of better understanding the links between these processes and the potential effects of agricultural conservation practices (ACPs) implemented since the 1990s. Comparing the study periods of 1991 to 2020 with 1961 to 1990, 1991 to 2020 had lower streamflow/precipitation ratios in the highest flow months such as February and March. Most streamflow occurred during winter and spring, so did suspended sediment. In addition, 2018 had much lower suspended sediment load compared to earlier years (1999 and 2000) during high flow seasons (January to April) given that streamflow was higher in 2018 than in 1999 and 2000. These changes may be attributed to the adoption of agricultural conservation practices because land cover remained almost unchanged from 2001 to 2021 and ACP adoption increased. Finally, the flow frequency analysis showed a strong linkage between higher streamflow events and increased suspended sediment load, with between 81% and 96% of total annual suspended sediment loads transported during the highest 10% of flows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Processes in Agricultural Watersheds)

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45 pages, 12393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Tropical Cyclone Risk Assessments: A Multi-Hazard Approach for Queensland, Australia and Viti Levu, Fiji

by Jane Nguyen, Michael Kaspi, Kade Berman, Cameron Do, Andrew B. Watkins and Yuriy Kuleshov

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010002 - 29 Dec 2024

Abstract

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are natural hazards causing extensive damage to society, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Due to the multi-hazardous nature of TCs, comprehensive risk assessments are essential to understanding how to better prepare for potential impacts. This study develops an integrated methodology [...] Read more.

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are natural hazards causing extensive damage to society, infrastructure, and the natural environment. Due to the multi-hazardous nature of TCs, comprehensive risk assessments are essential to understanding how to better prepare for potential impacts. This study develops an integrated methodology for TC multi-hazard risk assessment that utilises the following individual assessments of key TC risk components: a variable enhanced bathtub model (VeBTM) for storm surge-driven hazards, a random forest (RF) machine learning model for rainfall-induced flooding, and indicator-based indices for exposure and vulnerability assessments. To evaluate the methodology, the regions affected by TC Debbie (2017) for Queensland and TC Winston (2016) for Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu were used as proof-of-concept case studies. The results showed that areas with the highest risk of TC impacts were close to waterbodies, such as at the coastline and along riverine areas. For the Queensland study region, coastal populated areas showed levels of “high”, “very high”, and “extreme” risk, specifically in Bowen and East Mackay, driven by the social and infrastructural domains of TC risk components. For Viti Levu, areas classified with an “extreme” risk to TCs are primarily areas that experienced coastal inundation, with Lautoka and Vuda found to be especially at risk to TCs. Additionally, the Fiji case study was validated using post-disaster damage data, and a statistically significant correlation of 0.40 between TC Winston-attributed damage and each tikina’s overall risk was identified. Ultimately, this study serves as a prospective framework for assessing TC risk, capable of producing results that can assist decision-makers in developing targeted TC risk management and resilience strategies for disaster risk reduction. Full article

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21 pages, 3618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Operativity of the Taunsa Barrage, Pakistan: Experimental Investigation on the Subsidiary Weir

by Muhammad Zahid Ullah, Habib-Ur-Rehman Mughal, Noor Yaseen, Noor Muhammad Khan, Giada Varra, Luca Cozzolino and Renata Della Morte

Hydrology 2025, 12(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12010001 - 29 Dec 2024

Abstract

River barrages ensure water availability for enhanced irrigation and human consumption. Of course, effective and sustainable management of existing barrages requires controlling riverbed erosion through appropriately designed stilling basins with their appurtenances. The present study assesses the stilling basin performance of the Taunsa [...] Read more.

River barrages ensure water availability for enhanced irrigation and human consumption. Of course, effective and sustainable management of existing barrages requires controlling riverbed erosion through appropriately designed stilling basins with their appurtenances. The present study assesses the stilling basin performance of the Taunsa Barrage, a vital water resources infrastructure built in 1958 in Punjab, Pakistan, and rehabilitated between 2004 and 2008 through the construction of a subsidiary weir (SW) downstream of the main weir. A physical modeling approach was employed, consisting of two distinct phases of laboratory experiments. Phase 1 replicated the Taunsa Barrage before rehabilitation, assessing the need for SW construction under different discharge rates and downstream bed elevations. Phase 2 reproduced the post-rehabilitation conditions, including varying discharge values, heights and positions of the SW, to evaluate the stilling basin design concerning the ability to dissipate flow energy. The results demonstrated (i) inadequate tailwater levels and oscillating hydraulic jump formation under increased discharges in pre-rehabilitation conditions (highlighting the poor performance of the original Taunsa Barrage stilling basin and the need for an SW to address these hydraulic deficiencies), and (ii) that the SW, under the design conditions, achieved optimal head loss for discharge values near the design discharge. However, the head loss efficiency was highly sensitive to variations in the distance and height of the SW due to hydraulic jump pulsations. Moreover, the head loss efficiency rapidly degraded for discharges greater than the design discharge. These findings indicate that the Taunsa barrage stilling basin may lack the capacity to accommodate higher discharges resulting from the interplay between climate change and land use alterations within the upstream Indus River basin. Future research should focus on developing a design that enhances energy dissipation robustness, reducing susceptibility to potential discharge increases. Full article

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21 pages, 1172 KiB

Open AccessReview

Backwater Level Computations Due to Bridge Constrictions: An Assessment of Methods

by Kimia Haji Amou Assar, Serter Atabay, Abdullah Gokhan Yilmaz and Soroosh Sharifi

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 220; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120220 - 23 Dec 2024

Abstract

This paper explores different methods of computing backwater depth for open-channel flow, such as one- to multi-dimensional models, finite difference approaches, and artificial intelligence methods. This paper primarily focuses on one-dimensional methods and states the implication, advantages, and disadvantages, verification process, and performance [...] Read more.

This paper explores different methods of computing backwater depth for open-channel flow, such as one- to multi-dimensional models, finite difference approaches, and artificial intelligence methods. This paper primarily focuses on one-dimensional methods and states the implication, advantages, and disadvantages, verification process, and performance of each method. This paper discusses different parameters that influence backwater and their impact. Additionally, this paper compares the discussed one-dimensional methods with each other due to their common usage of experimental and field datasets as well as their popularity in implementation. It was concluded that while the WSPRO method significantly overestimated and the Yarnell’s method underestimated the afflux value, the measured afflux values are closest to the values computed by the energy and momentum methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrological Modeling and Sustainable Water Resources Management)

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13 pages, 3509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extraordinary 21st Century Drought in the Po River Basin (Italy)

by Abel Andrés Ramírez Molina, Glenn Tootle, Giuseppe Formetta, Thomas Piechota and Jiaqi Gong

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120219 - 21 Dec 2024

Abstract

Recent research identified 2022 as being the year of lowest seasonal April–May–June–July (AMJJ) observed streamflow for the Po River Basin (PRB) in the past two centuries. Expanding upon this research, we applied filters (2-year to 30-year filters) to the AMJJ observed streamflow and [...] Read more.

Recent research identified 2022 as being the year of lowest seasonal April–May–June–July (AMJJ) observed streamflow for the Po River Basin (PRB) in the past two centuries. Expanding upon this research, we applied filters (2-year to 30-year filters) to the AMJJ observed streamflow and identified the late 20th and 21st century as displaying extreme drought. In this study, we introduce PALEO-RECON, an automated reconstruction tool developed to leverage tree ring-based proxies and streamline regression processes. Using PALEO-RECON, we reconstructed the AMJJ streamflow, applying traditional regression techniques and using a nested approach in which 30-, 40-, and 50-year windows within the ~200-year observed streamflow record (1807 to 2022) were evaluated to capture uncertainty. Focusing on the 21st century (2000 to 2022), while several droughts in the ~2000-year paleo record may have exceeded the 2000 to 2022 drought, the recent PRB drought ending in 2022 was the lowest 23-year period in approximately 500 years, acknowledging that uncertainty increases as we move further back in time. When examining paleo and observed AMJJ streamflow records, deficit and surplus periods were evaluated, focusing on the potential “whiplash” between drought and pluvial events. We observed an increase in the frequency of whiplash events, which may be associated with a changing climate. Full article

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19 pages, 4173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Spatiotemporal Estimation of the Chupaderos Aquifer Groundwater Recharge for 2020 Based on the Soil Moisture Approach and Remote Sensing

by María López-Cuevas, Anuard Pacheco-Guerrero, Edith Olmos-Trujillo, Juan Ernesto Ramírez-Juárez, Anuar Badillo-Olvera, Claudia Ávila-Sandoval and Hiram Badillo-Almaraz

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120218 - 20 Dec 2024

Abstract

Groundwater, which is widely used in arid regions due to scarcity of surface sources, has excellent quality and, under certain conditions, can be consumed directly. Human activities have caused climate change, leading to decreased precipitation and increased temperatures, which reduces water recharge and [...] Read more.

Groundwater, which is widely used in arid regions due to scarcity of surface sources, has excellent quality and, under certain conditions, can be consumed directly. Human activities have caused climate change, leading to decreased precipitation and increased temperatures, which reduces water recharge and increases underground extraction volume. To estimate the natural recharge of the Chupaderos aquifer, located in the State of Zacatecas, México, a spatiotemporal analysis methodology was used, using a soil moisture balance, which includes satellite information on precipitation and temperature, to obtain infiltration, evapotranspiration, and moisture. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), a distributed spatial model was created in which the potential recharge areas that can be defined by raster images. The results show that there is a maximum annual recharge of 137 mm in the soil where Fluvisol and Kastanozem predominate, an indicator of a texture of sandy soil and franco-sandy area, which is mainly covered by forest and scrub. This result confirms that these characteristics are indispensable for the use of water in soil. Therefore, the preservation of the ecosystem is essential for aquifer recharge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Hydrology)

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22 pages, 44511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deep Learning Prediction of Streamflow in Portugal

by Rafael Francisco and José Pedro Matos

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120217 - 19 Dec 2024

Abstract

The transformative potential of deep learning models is felt in many research fields, including hydrology and water resources. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Temporal Fusion Transformer (TFT), a deep neural network architecture for predicting daily streamflow in Portugal, and benchmarks it [...] Read more.

The transformative potential of deep learning models is felt in many research fields, including hydrology and water resources. This study investigates the effectiveness of the Temporal Fusion Transformer (TFT), a deep neural network architecture for predicting daily streamflow in Portugal, and benchmarks it against the popular Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV) hydrological model. Additionally, it evaluates the performance of TFTs through selected forecasting examples. Information is provided about key input variables, including precipitation, temperature, and geomorphological characteristics. The study involved extensive hyperparameter tuning, with over 600 simulations conducted to fine–tune performances and ensure reliable predictions across diverse hydrological conditions. The results showed that TFTs outperformed the HBV model, successfully predicting streamflow in several catchments of distinct characteristics throughout the country. TFTs not only provide trustworthy predictions with associated probabilities of occurrence but also offer considerable advantages over classical forecasting frameworks, i.e., the ability to model complex temporal dependencies and interactions across different inputs or weight features based on their relevance to the target variable. Multiple practical applications can rely on streamflow predictions made with TFT models, such as flood risk management, water resources allocation, and support climate change adaptation measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: The Flood Estimation and Forecasting Chain: Meteorological–Hydrological–Hydraulic Forecasts and Predictive Uncertainty towards Operational Decisions)

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14 pages, 2692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Technical Considerations in the Preliminary Design of the Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH)

by Haoyong Tian, Zaimin Ren, Chenchen Yao, Chao Wang, Meirong Li and Chunchen Xia

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120216 - 13 Dec 2024

Abstract

The development of renewable energy is an effective avenue for achieving net zero goals. It requires many energy storage systems (ESSs) for adjusting the unstable power generated by renewable energy. To date, PSH is the most technically mature, economically reasonable, and reliable ESS. [...] Read more.

The development of renewable energy is an effective avenue for achieving net zero goals. It requires many energy storage systems (ESSs) for adjusting the unstable power generated by renewable energy. To date, PSH is the most technically mature, economically reasonable, and reliable ESS. Currently, various countries have developed PSH. As of 2022, the global installed capacity of PSH has reached 175,060 MW, with an annual increase of 10,300 MW. This paper addresses several technical considerations in the preliminary design of PSH systems, drawing on extensive design experience. Key factors such as the selection of dam sites, installed capacity, and characteristic water levels are thoroughly discussed. These design choices are influenced by a range of factors, including geological and topographical conditions, hydrological parameters, environmental impacts, sedimentation, submersion areas, and resettlement issues. PSH is highly effective in meeting power demands, regulating frequency and phase, serving as an emergency power reserve, and improving the power factor of electrical networks. It enhances the quality of renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaic, and tidal power, which are characterized by intermittent supply. Beyond its technical advantages, PSH also contributes to local employment and tourism and supports pollutant reduction efforts. Compared to other energy storage systems, PSH has a more significant environmental impact and requires a longer construction period. Thus, exploring new forms of PSH is crucial. Innovative approaches such as utilizing constructed reservoirs, lakes, seas, and abandoned pits can reduce both investment and construction time while minimizing the environmental impact. This paper aims to provide some technical references and feasible plans to governments, owners, and engineers during the planning and preliminary design stages of a PSH project. Full article

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25 pages, 9673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systematic Modular Approach for the Coupling of Deep-Learning-Based Models to Forecast Urban Flooding Maps in Early Warning Systems

by Juliana Koltermann da Silva, Benjamin Burrichter, Andre Niemann and Markus Quirmbach

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 215; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120215 - 12 Dec 2024

Abstract

Deep learning (DL) approaches to forecast precipitation and inundation areas in the short-term forecast horizon have up until now been treated as independent research problems from the model development perspective. However, for the urban hydrology area, the coupling of these models is necessary [...] Read more.

Deep learning (DL) approaches to forecast precipitation and inundation areas in the short-term forecast horizon have up until now been treated as independent research problems from the model development perspective. However, for the urban hydrology area, the coupling of these models is necessary in order to forecast the upcoming inundation area maps and is, therefore, of the utmost importance for successful flood risk management. In this paper, three deep-learning-based models are coupled in a systematic modular approach with the aim to analyze the performance of this model chain in an operative setup for urban pluvial flooding nowcast: precipitation nowcasting with an adapted version of the NowcastNet model, the forecast of manhole overflow hydrographs with a Seq2Seq model, and the generation of a spatiotemporal sequence of inundation areas in an urban catchment for the upcoming hour with an encoder–decoder model. It can be concluded that the forecast quality still largely depends on the accuracy of the precipitation nowcasting model. With the increasing development of DL models for both precipitation and flood nowcasting, the presented modular approach for model coupling enables the substitution of individual blocks for better and newer models in the model chain without jeopardizing the operation of the flooding forecast system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Perspectives in the Flood Forecasting Chain (Weather Prediction, Rainfall-Runoff Modeling, and Communication with Stakeholders))

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12 pages, 4113 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brazil’s Daily Precipitation Concentration Index (CI) Using Alternative Fitting Equation and Ensemble Data

by Gerardo Núñez-González

Hydrology 2024, 11(12), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology11120214 - 10 Dec 2024

Abstract

In recent years, precipitation concentration indices have become popular, and the daily precipitation concentration index has been widely used worldwide. This index is based on the Lorenz curve fitting. Recently, some biases in the fitting process have been observed in some research. Therefore, [...] Read more.

In recent years, precipitation concentration indices have become popular, and the daily precipitation concentration index has been widely used worldwide. This index is based on the Lorenz curve fitting. Recently, some biases in the fitting process have been observed in some research. Therefore, this research’s objective consisted of testing the performance of one alternative equation for fitting the Lorenz curve through the analysis of the daily precipitation concentration in Brazil. Daily precipitation data from 735 time series were used to fit the Lorenz curve and calculate the concentration index. Therefore, the goodness of fit was evaluated to determine which equation better describes the empirical data. Results show that the mean value for the concentration index based on Equation (1) was 0.650 ± 0.079, while the mean value based on Equation (2) was 0.624 ± 0.070. The results of the fitting performance show a better fitting with Equation (2) compared to Equation (1) as indicated by R², RSS, and RMSE values, R² = 0.9959 for Equation (1) versus 0.9996 for Equation (2), RSS = 252.78 versus 22.66, and RMSE = 1.5092 versus 0.0501. Thus, Equation (2) can be considered an alternative to improve the calculation of the concentration index. Full article

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