HydAlp
Hydrology of Alpine and High Latitude Basins

Project Reference: ENV4-CT96-03634

Author: Rob Ferguson
Date: 03 June 1997
Institute: Sheffield Centre for Earth Observation Science

Approved by project coordinator: Helmut Rott eh..…… Date:03 June 97

This document was produced under the terms and conditions of Contract ENV4-CT96-03634 for the European Union, DG XXII.

Hard copies to:

Electronic form available:

internally by all project members through CEO ftp server:
directory: HYDALP/private/common/3-monthReps/RPR1
Files: RPR1sup.doc, RPR1.doc Figures: BASAT.doc, BASCH.doc, BASSW.doc, BASUK.doc

Objectives: To review existing modelling methodologies and identify possible area of improvement. To modify existing models to make optimum use of remotely sensed and ground data.

Responsible: Rob Ferguson, SCEOS

WP 410 was the only work package operational in months 1-3. The work carried out to date is summarised below.

Responsible: O.Turpin, SCEOS months 1-17

An internal report is deliverable in month 17.

Responsible: O.Turpin, SCEOS

Objectives: To review the conceptual and physical basis for each model, the parameterisations of processes, and the way models use or could use remotely sensed imagery. To point out strengths and weaknesses of the models and to make recommendations for model modifications.

Responsible: O.Turpin, SCEOS, months 1-9

Objectives:  To review the conceptual and physical basis of each model, the parameterisations of processes, and the way the models use or could use remotely sensed information.  To point out strength and weaknesses of the models and to make recommendations for model modifications.

This task is not continuous throughout months 1-9. Preliminary work was done in month 2 and the main intercomparison will be done in months 5/6 and 7/8.

Work performed:

• Literature search on the HBV and SRM models.
• Initial review of the current capabilities of the models, including their structure and parameterisation.
• Liaison with UBE regarding data requirements of models and the implications for database management (WP201/220).
• Liaison with SMHI and MLURI regarding the implications for modelling of alternative choices of gauging station for BASSW and BASUK (WP223/224).

Points which will be considered in the intercomparison include:

• The way the full heat energy balance at the snow/ice surface is simplified in order to predict point melt rates, and possible limitations in different environmental settings.
• Which model parameters depend implicitly or explicitly on snow/ice surface characteristics and whether there is a possibility that remotely sensed information could be useful for calibrating these parameters.
• The way in which a catchment can be subdivided for modelling purposes using sub-basins and/or elevation zones, and whether any special provision is made for different cover types (e.g. forest, glacier).
• The ways in which the model uses meteorological data, remotely sensed data, or other means to simulate the initial snow cover, its depletion over time because of melting, and any temporary increase of the snow cover because of new snowfall. This will also include consideration of which attributes of snow cover are taken into account: just snow water equivalent, or also density, temperature, albedo, etc.
• The way meltwater and melt-season rainfall are routed to the basin outlet, and any modifications necessary for application to test basins with special hydrological problems (e.g. lakes, wetlands, water diversion).

It is anticipated that a meeting of modellers from SCEOS, SMHI and UBE will be held, probably in month 7 or 8, to discuss the preliminary conclusions from the intercomparison before the task is completed and the internal report is finalised.