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A review of underlying surface parameterization methods in hydrologic models

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Abstract

Numerous topography, land-cover, land-use, and soil-type parameterization methods are required to simulate the hydrologic cycle. In this paper, using the principles of hydrologic cycle simulation, 20 methods commonly applied to runoff-yield simulation are analyzed. Additionally, parameterization methods used in 17 runoff-yield simulation methods and 15 confluence methods are discussed, including the degree of parameterization. Next, the parameterization methods are classified into four categories: not clearly expressed; calibrated; deterministic; and physical—conceptual. Furthermore, we clarify responses and contributions of different parameterization methods to hydrologic cycle simulation results. Finally, major weaknesses of simplified descriptions of complex rational and physical mechanisms in the parameterization methods of the underlying surfaces in hydrologic models are outlined, and two directions of future development are estimated, looking toward simple practicality and complex mechanization.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangzhou, 510070, China

    Lingling Zhao

  2. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China

    Lingling Zhao & Changming Liu

  3. Institute of Physical Geography and Environmental Planning, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-680, Poznań, Poland

    Leszek Sobkowiak

  4. Department of Earth and Environment, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, Anhui, 232001, China

    Xiaoxiao Wu

  5. Maoming Branch Hydrological Bureau of Guangdong Province, Maoming, Guangdong, 525000, China

    Jiafu Liu

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  1. Lingling Zhao
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  2. Changming Liu
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  3. Leszek Sobkowiak
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  4. Xiaoxiao Wu
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  5. Jiafu Liu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Changming Liu.

Additional information

Foundation: National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.41771044, No.41501046; Water Conservancy Science and Technology Innovation Project of Guangdong Provincial Water Resources Department, No.2014-14, No.2016-14; Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, No.2015A030310234; GDAS’ Project of Science and Technology Development, No.2019GDASYL-0104003, No.2018GDASCX-0101, No.2017 GDASCX-0806; Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province, No.2018B030324002

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Zhao, L., Liu, C., Sobkowiak, L. et al. A review of underlying surface parameterization methods in hydrologic models. J. Geogr. Sci. 29, 1039–1060 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-019-1643-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-019-1643-9

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