Effects of Slope Magnitude and Length on SWAT Baseflow Estimation
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 145, Issue 1
Abstract
The aim of this study was to improve streamflow predictability using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model for baseflow estimation in a steeply sloped watershed. The two objectives were (1) to appraise streamflow predictions using SWAT for different slope magnitude and slope lengths in hydrologic response units (HRUs); and (2) to analyze baseflow contribution to streamflow through a baseflow separation method. To achieve these objectives, the SWAT model and the web-based hydrograph analysis tool (WHAT) system were implemented for five scenarios, comprising various slope magnitudes and slope length calibrations in the geologically distinct Haean-myeon watershed in South Korea. The results showed that SWAT streamflow predictions differed significantly when SWAT’s default slope magnitude and slope length was used versus the observed slope magnitude and slope length for baseflow estimation. Moreover, better prediction occurred when a representative slope length based on the observation was used rather than SWAT’s default slope magnitude and slope length. In this context, the effect of slope magnitude and slope length on baseflow and streamflow using SWAT was illustrated. Therefore, proper slope magnitude and slope length characterization will significantly improve the prediction ability of the SWAT model.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by a grant (17AWMP-B083066-04) from the Advanced Water Management Research Program funded by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Korean government.
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Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 145 • Issue 1 • January 2019
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 10, 2018
Accepted: Aug 7, 2018
Published online: Nov 14, 2018
Published in print: Jan 1, 2019
Discussion open until: Apr 14, 2019
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