Evaluation of Diffuse Pollution Model Applications in EUROHARP Catchments with Limited Data
The application of diffuse pollution models included in EUROHARP encompassed varying levels
of parameterisation and approaches to the preparation of input data depending on the model and
modelling team involved. Modellers consistently faced important decisions in relation to data
interpretation, especially in those catchments with unfamiliar physical or climatic characteristics, where
catchment conditions were beyond the range for which a particular model was originally developed, or
where only limited input data were available. In addition to a broad discussion of data issues, this paper
compares the performance of the four sub-annual output models tested in EUROHARP (EveNFlow,
NL-CAT, SWAT and TRK) in three test catchments without the modelling teams having sight of
measured flow and nitrate concentration data. Model performance in this ¿¿blind test¿¿ indicate that the
range of predictions generated by any individual models pre and post calibration exceed the differences
between the estimates yielded by all four models. Comparison of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)
statistics for simulated and observed flow, concentration and loads underscores the benefits of
calibration for these intermediate and complex model formulations. Interpretation of input data
(e.g. rainfall interpolation method and pedotransfer functions selected) appeared equally (or more)
important than process representation. In the absence of calibration data, modeller unfamiliarity with
a particular catchment and its environmental processes sometimes resulted in questionable assumptions
and input errors which highlight the problems facing modellers charged with implementing policies
under the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) in poorly monitored catchments. Catchment data
owners and modellers must therefore work more closely given that the output from diffuse pollution
models is clearly modeller-limited as well as model-limited.
SILGRAM M.;
ANTHONY .;
COLLINS .;
STROMQVIST J.;
BOURAOUI Faycal;
SCHOUMANS O.;
LO PORTO A.;
GROENENDIJK P.;
ARHEIMER B.;
MIMIKOU M.;
JOHNSSON H.;
2009-12-11
ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
JRC55452
1464-0325,
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC55452,
10.1039/b901181a,
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