Simulation of Rainfall-Runoff process using SWAT model in Bouhamdane watershed, Algeria

Abstract

The current research examines the runoff response in the Bouhamdane watershed in Algeria using the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT). The SWAT model is applied for the Bouhamane watershed, which includes three sub-watersheds and 45 Hydraulic Response Units (HRUs). To assess the ability and effectiveness of the model, one-gauge station in the basin (sabat) was chosen. Monthly discharge flow data are sourced from Algeria's National Water Resources Agency (NWRA). The soil and water assessment tool calibration uncertainty programs (SWAT-CUPs) with the sequential uncertainty fitting (SUFI 2) algorithm were used to calibrate and validate the model. The model was run from 1985 to 2004, with a calibration period between 1985 and 1994 and a validation period between 1995 and 2005. The model's runoff simulation efficiency has been improved by adjusting watershed input parameters. The SWAT model's performance was assessed statistically (coefficient of determination [R2], Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency Coefficient [NSE], and Percent BIAS [PBIAS]). The monthly calibration R2, NSE, and PBIAS were 0.89, 0.68, and 43, respectively, and the monthly validation R2, NSE, and PBIAS were 0.78, 0.76, and 10.4, respectively. These results support that the SWAT model is an effective tool for simulating the surface runoff of the Bouhamdane watershed.

Keywords

• bouhamdane watershed
• swat
• sensitivity
• surface runoff