TY  - JOUR
A1  - van Schaik, N. Loes M. B.
A1  - Bronstert, Axel
A1  - de Jong, S. M.
A1  - Jetten, V. G.
A1  - van Dam, J. C.
A1  - Ritsema, C. J.
A1  - Schnabel, Susanne
T1  - Process-based modelling of a headwater catchment in a semi-arid area: the influence of macropore flow
T2  - Hydrological processes
N2  - Subsurface stormflow is thought to occur mainly in humid environments with steep terrains. However, in semi-arid areas, preferential flow through macropores can also result in a significant contribution of subsurface stormflow to catchment runoff for varying catchment conditions. Most hydrological models neglect this important subsurface preferential flow. Here, we use the process-oriented hydrological model Hillflow-3D, which includes a macropore flow approach, to simulate rainfall-runoff in the semi-arid Parapunos catchment in Spain, where macropore flow was observed in previous research. The model was extended for this study to account for sorptivity under very dry soil conditions. The results of the model simulations with and without macropore flow are compared. Both model versions give reasonable results for average rainfall situations, although the approach with the macropore concept provides slightly better results. The model results for scenarios of extreme rainfall events (>13.3mm30min(-1)) however show large differences between the versions with and without macropores. These model results compared with measured rainfall-runoff data show that the model with the macropore concept is better. Our conclusion is that preferential flow is important in controlling surface runoff in case of specific, high intensity rainfall events. Therefore, preferential flow processes must be included in hydrological models where we know that preferential flow occurs. Hydrological process models with a less detailed process description may fit observed average events reasonably well but can result in erroneous predictions for more extreme events. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KW  - process based
KW  - macropore flow
KW  - catchment scale
KW  - modelling
KW  - semi-arid area
Y1  - 2014
UR  - https://publishup.uni-potsdam.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/37379
SN  - 0885-6087
SN  - 1099-1085
VL  - 28
IS  - 24
SP  - 5805
EP  - 5816
PB  - Wiley-Blackwell
CY  - Hoboken
ER  -