Simulation of ecohydrological processes influencing water supplies in the Tuul River watershed of Mongolia

Abstract

Achieving sufficient water supplies for multiple uses in the watershed is a major public policy issue. Understanding the current ecohydrologic processes is essential to assess potential impacts on hydrologic regimes. The Tuul River (TR) watershed faces a cold, continental climate with water supply variability. This study aims to simulate watershed processes in the TR watershed and subbasins and analyze the influences of those processes on water resources. Watershed hydrologic processes and their impact on the water resources are modeled using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Calibration and validation were conducted using R2, PBIAS, RSR, and NSE to assess the effectiveness of the SWAT model to replicate annual, monthly streamflow values. The spatial and temporal variations in watershed processes are critical for water resource decisions. With increasing uncertainty and scarcity in water resources, simulation modeling is a valuable tool in watershed management in regions with water scarcity. HIGHLIGHTS Simulates a large semiarid watershed for watershed assessment.; Demonstrates the spatial and temporal variability.; Models the ecohydrologic process and drivers using the SWAT model.; Calibration and validation demonstrate model performance.; Water resource management depends on dynamic assessment of hydrologic components.;

Keywords

• ecohydrology
• swat
• tuul river
• watershed modeling
• water supply