Distributed hydrologic model using GPM-IMERG images in the Huaynamota River watershed, Nayarit, México

Abstract

In Mexico, it is necessary to exploit water resources to cover different needs and to control them to prevent damage caused by extreme events. The objective of this study was to model and calibrate hydrographs calculated with rainfall data measured with GPM-IMERG satellite images in the Huaynamota River watershed and compare the results with a hydrological model fed rainfall data from automated meteorological stations. The research was conducted in a tributary of the Huaynamota River, which is part of the Lerma-Chapala-Santiago hydrological region. The watershed is located in Zacatecas, Durango, Jalisco and Nayarit. For analysis of the hydrographs at the basin outlet, maximum rainfall events occurring in the periods July 21 to 26, 2016, August 14 to 24, 2017, and September 1 to 16, 2017, were evaluated. The model was developed in HEC-HMS, using methods such as the runoff curve number and the Clark unit hydrograph. Comparison of the measured and simulated hydrographs showed good fit of the simulation with reality. In most of the modeled events, the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient was above 0.5, which is considered acceptable. We concluded that hydrological modeling using satellite meteorological images is a good option that can be implemented in regions where hourly rainfall data gauged with land instruments are not available.