Hydrological Modeling of Large river Basins: How Much is Enough?

• DOI: 10.1007/s11269-014-0637-8
• Publication Date: 2014-06-10T17:57:01Z
• Authors: Robyn Johnston; Vladimir Smakhtin
• Keywords: Hydrological modelling

Abstract Hydrological modeling is an indispensable component of water resources research and management in large river basins. There a tendency for each new group working basin to develop their own model, resulting plethora such tools major basin. The question then becomes: how much enough? This study reviews hydrological four basins (Nile, Mekong, Ganges Indus). Based on this review, areas action improve effectiveness reduce duplication are suggested. Model setups input data, as well model results, should be published, allow more coordinated approaches capitalize past efforts. More focus needed reporting uncertainty, realistic assessment the degree confidence using results policy management. Initiatives quantity quality data input, calibration validation, both traditional monitoring (improved networks, expansion automated systems) methods collection (remote sensing, crowd-sourcing community based observations). Finally, within basin, appropriate agency identified resourced take responsibility sharing coordination, redundancy effort promote collaboration.