Efficient Semi-Distributed Hydrological Modelling Workflow for Simulating Streamflow and Characterizing Hydrologic Processes

Abstract

Streamflow records are required for a wide range of industrial, environmental, and urban applications. However, the sparse coverage of hydrometric stations in western Canada, and their limited spatial and temporal representativeness, necessitate hydrologic regionalization methods to generate streamflow for a point of interest. Here, an efficient semi-distributed hydrological modelling workflow is presented which has modest data requirements, uses publicly available data sources, and applies free open-source software. The method is scalable, relies on few statistical assumptions, and is scientifically rigorous. In addition, the resultant model allows the ability to trace the primary contributors of streamflow in the region, and for the evaluation of future watershed hydrology due to environmental and climatic change.