Multiparameter Regression Modeling for Improving Quality of Measured Rainfall and Runoff Data in Densely Instrumented Watersheds
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 24, Issue 10
Abstract
The Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed is a semi-arid experimental watershed and long-term agro-ecosystem research (LTAR) site managed by the USDA-Agricultural Research Services (ARS) Southwest Watershed Research Center for which high-resolution, long-term hydroclimatic data are available across its drainage area. Quality control and quality assurance of the massive data set are a major challenge. We present the analysis of 50 years of data sets to develop a strategy to identify errors and inconsistencies in historical rainfall and runoff databases. A multiple regression model was developed to relate rainfall, watershed properties, and the antecedent conditions to runoff characteristics in 12 subwatersheds ranging in area from . A regression model was developed based on 18 predictor variables, which produced predicted runoff with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.4–0.94 and Nash efficiency coefficients up to 0.76. The model predicted 92% of runoff events and 86% of no-runoff events. The modeling approach is a complement to existing quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) procedures and provides a specific method for ensuring that rainfall and runoff data in the USDA-ARS Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed database are consistent and contain minimal error. The model has the potential for making runoff predictions in similar hydroclimatic environments with available high-resolution observations.
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Acknowledgments
Funding and support were provided by the US Department of Agriculture, ARS. Thanks to the many dedicated USDA-ARS Southwest Watershed Research Center staff in Tombstone and Tucson, Arizona, who made possible the collection of high-quality rainfall and runoff records in the WGEW. The vision and commitment of all ARS scientists and administrators to construct, manage, and operate the experimental networks in Walnut Gulch for the long term are to be commended.
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Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 24 • Issue 10 • October 2019
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©2019 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Sep 19, 2018
Accepted: Apr 17, 2019
Published online: Jul 25, 2019
Published in print: Oct 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Dec 25, 2019
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