Evaluation and Comparison of Lumped and Semi-Distributed Rainfall-Runoff Models

The hydrological sector is one of the most important and fundamental natural sectors in catchments. In order to evaluate the behavior of this sector under different conditions, it is essential to model hydrological processes. One of the aims of conducting hydrological studies is to determine the relationships between rainfall and runoff. Since it is not possible to measure all quantities required for the runoff analysis in the catchments, it is necessary to select a model which has a simple structure and a reduced number of parameters that can accurately simulate the runoff caused by rainfall. In this study, classification of hydrological models and the results of several models used in different case studies have initially been investigated. Furthermore, some of the information associated with several rainfall-runoff models have been noted. In the next step the model evaluation criteria and comparison of the selected models according to these criteria for the final model selection has been offered. Finally, the choice of the best model has been provided. According to the capabilities and limitations of each model, by considering the necessities and objectives of the considered rainfall-runoff model in each catchment, the appreciate model can be selected. Although it is better to select the lumped models because of their simplicity of structure and minimal required data and ease of use, it is better to select the semi-distributed models. Since semi-distributed models are in a position between the high simplicity of lumped models and the extensive required data by distributed models.