Review of Regionalization and Remote Sensing Based Method for Hydrological Model Parameters Calibration in Ungauged Basins

JIANG Lulu1,2, WU Huan2,3,4,†, Lorenzo Alfieri5, LI Xiaomeng2, John S. Kimball6, CHEN Xiuwan1

1. Institute of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Peking University, Beijing 100871; 2. School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082; 3. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Laboratory, Zhuhai 519082; 4. Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park 20740; 5. European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Ispra 21027; 6. Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group, University of Montana, Missoula 59812; † Corresponding author, E-mail: wuhuan3@mail.sysu.edu.cn

Abstract Challenges in calibration of hydrological model parameters in ungauged basins were discussed, and the latest advances in regionalization method and remote sensing based method were summarized. First, the common problems in the hydrological model calibration (derivation of hydrographic parameters, construction of objective function and selection of optimization method) and their influences on the results of parameter optimization) were analyzed and leading-edge solutions were then provided. Next, fundamental principles and study progress of regionalization method were introduced, and the importance of stream gauge network density of donor catchments for the streamflow prediction was emphasized. The advance of remote sensing based hydrological model calibration method was discussed in terms of model spatial domain, model structure, satellite data source, and calibration target. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages and the future development prospect between regionalization method and remote sensing based method were compared and analyzed, and potential practical strategies for continuous streamflow prediction in ungauged basins in China are suggested. Key words hydrological model; streamflow prediction; ungauged basins; regionalization