Towards a more consistent hydrological modeling through multiobjective calibration of the SWAT model

What is it about?

A comprehensive multi-objective calibration framework is developed in this study for a more reliable prediction of vegetation dynamics, streamflow, and flow components in mountainous catchments such as the Andean catchments. The inclusion of the baseflow index as an objective function in addition to hydrograph goodness-of-fit and flow duration curve signatures in our multi-objective calibration approach improves parameter identifiability and reduces equifinality. Our finding also reveals the baseflow is the main streamflow component and better hydrological services regarding the water yield and baseflow is given by pasture areas in the Andean Vilcanota river basin.

Featured Image

Photo by Eddy Velazco on Unsplash

Photo by Eddy Velazco on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Overall, our proposed calibration and validation framework for hydrologic models such as SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) increases the chances of obtaining the right answer for the right reason in hydrologic modelling, which is a crucial step toward more realistic hydrological applications.

Perspectives