Environmental Challenges: Jerjera Ulu Guduru, Ayatullah Shis Mohammed
Environmental Challenges: Jerjera Ulu Guduru, Ayatullah Shis Mohammed
Environmental Challenges
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/envc
A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Keywords: Modeling rainfall-runoff is widely recognized as one of the most complex types of hydrological modeling, pri
HEC-HMS marily because it involves the integration of a diverse array of watershed characteristics. Due to its ability to
Runoff simulation Tikur Wuha watershed emulate the hydrological behavior of a watershed, the modeling of rainfall-runoff plays a crucial role in pre
dicting the runoff generated at the watershed’s outlet. The present study aimed to simulate runoff by utilizing
HEC–HMS in the Tikur Wuha River watershed situated in the Rift Valley Basin of Ethiopia. To achieve this goal,
tools such as HEC-GeoHMS and ArcGIS were employed to establish the necessary input parameters for
HEC–HMS. Various methods were implemented at different stages of the modeling process, including SCS-CN
for estimating precipitation loss, SCS-UH for transforming excess rainfall, Muskingum for flood routing, and
the monthly constant method for modeling base flow. The process of calibration and validation entailed the use
of daily observed flow data from the periods (1990 to 2009) and (2010 to 2015) correspondingly. Nash Sutcliff
Efficiency (NSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) were employed as metrics to evaluate the model’s per
formance. The findings showed that the model exhibited high performance in both calibration and validation
stages, producing values of (NSE = 0.83, R2 = 0.91) and (NSE = 0.84, R2 = 0.86) respectively. Furthermore, the
Percent Bias (PBIAS) values in calibration and validation remained within acceptable ranges, registering at 2.69
% and 4.67 % respectively. After the calibration and validation of the model, the estimated peak flood discharge
simulated by the model (206.3m3/s) was compared with the observed stream flow (197.1m3/s), indicating a
significant similarity between the model’s output and the observed data. Consequently, it can be inferred that the
model exhibits a high capability in replicating hydrological parameters effectively for the Tikur Wuha watershed
and other watersheds sharing similar hydrological characteristics.
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [email protected] (J.U. Guduru).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2024.101017
Received 12 June 2024; Received in revised form 8 September 2024; Accepted 19 September 2024
Available online 21 September 2024
2667-0100/© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
nc/4.0/).
J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
watersheds. The fluctuation in stream flow within the Tikur Wuha river basin
Despite the data scarcity, different researchers conducted rainfall- varies seasonally, leading to flooding issues for surrounding agricultural
runoff modeling in various river basins. For instance, Sardoii et al. areas, particularly between June and September (Mekin et al., 2020). It
(2012) simulated the rainfall-runoff process in the Amirkabir watershed. is challenging to estimate flood depth without using hydrological
Kimhuy et al. (2016) developed rainfall-runoff modeling to assess stream models. To address these issues, the development and application of
flow and water resource accessibility in the Stung Sangker watershed of rainfall-runoff modeling is crucial. Therefore, this study aims to estab
the Mekong’ Tonle Sap Lake basin in Cambodia. Bitew et al. (2019) lish rainfall-runoff modeling specifically for this area. The outcomes of
created a precipitation spillover model for stream simulation in the Lake this research are significant for the region as the model was meticulously
Tana Basin for the case of Gilgel Abay catchment, Upper Blue Nile Basin, prepared, incorporating various elements such as DEM maps, Isohyetal
Ethiopia. maps, land use/land cover data, soil types, curve numbers, rainfall in
Although numerous options of rainfall-runoff models are available, formation, and simulated discharge values. Additionally, the charac
selecting an appropriate model is crucial for effective watershed plan teristics of the Tikur Wuha river watershed were delineated using
ning and management. HEC-Geo HMS and transferred to HEC–HMS. The calibrated hydro
Currently, numerous models are available for hydrological logical parameters will be used for upcoming hydrological in
modeling. The choice of model is contingent upon the specific charac vestigations in this watershed and others alike, helping in the efficient
teristics of the basin as well as the intended purpose of the hydrological management of water resources.
forecasting within that particular basin (Ocio et al., 2019). This research
utilized a semi-distributed hydrologic model, the Hydrologic Engineer 2. Materials and methods
ing Center-Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC–HMS), to study the
rainfall-runoff process in the Tkur Wuha River watershed. The Hydro 2.1. Description of study area
logic Engineering Center’s Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC–HMS)
model was created by the US Army Corps of Engineers (Chu and Stein The Tikur Wuha river basin is situated within the geographical co
man, 2009) and is suitable for various hydrological simulations. Hy ordinates of 6◦ 46′ to 7◦ 10′ N and 78◦ 32′ 23′’ to 78◦ 39′ 23′’ E in the
drologic Engineering Center (HEC–HMS) is a hydrologic modeling that southern Rift Valley basin of Ethiopia. It encompasses an area of 623
contains an integrated tool for modeling hydrologic processes of den km2 at the gauging station with elevations ranging from 1645 m to 2986
dritic watershed systems (Chu and Steinman, 2009). Moreover, it has m above mean sea level (Fig. 1). Originating from the Cheleleka Wet
been widely used in many hydrological studies due to its simplicity and lands, the Tikur Wuha River is the primary watercourse that flows into
capability (Halwatura and Najim, 2013; Jayanti, 2020; Sahu et al., Lake Awasa (Mekin et al., 2020). The predominant soils and land use in
2023). Furthermore, HEC–HMS is a comprehensive tool that encom the watershed are Chromic Luvisols and Cultivated land respectively, as
passes all hydrologic processes of dendritic watershed systems. The illustrated in Table 1. The watershed displays significant topographic
widespread adoption of HEC–HMS in hydrology is attributed to its diversity, with the most prevalent slope classes being 8–15 % and 15–30
capacity to simulate runoff in various event durations, ease of use, and %, which together cover approximately 54 % of the total area. The slope
utilization of standard methods (Oleyiblo et al., 2010). class of 3–8 % encompasses 21.6 %, while slopes exceeding 30 %
The Geospatial Hydrologic Modeling Extension (HEC-GeoHMS) is a constitute 19 %, primarily found in the Northern, Eastern, and South
public-domain software package for use with Geographical Information Eastern escarpments of the sub-watershed area. The remaining 5 % of
Systems (GIS), GeoHMS ArcView, and Spatial Analysis to develop the total area is categorized under the 0–3 % slope class according to the
several hydrological modeling inputs. Upon examination of the data FAO slope classification for soil and water conservation (FAO, 2006). In
from the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), HEC-GeoHMS converts the terms of climate, the watershed experiences a semi-humid climate, with
drainage routes and watershed limits into a hydrological data frame average annual rainfall ranging from 210 mm to 250 mm based on data
work that illustrates the watershed’s reaction to precipitation from 1990 to 2017, with over 80 % of precipitation occurring during the
(Hoogestraat, 2011). Several researchers employed the HEC–HMS summer season (June to August).
model to depict flow through simulated rainfall-runoff processes. The
study by Tahmasbinejad et al. (2012), HEC–HMS and GIS were effec 2.2. Data set, and sources
tively utilized to replicate the rainfall-runoff process in the Karun River
basin in Iran. Similarly, Sampath et al. (2015) carried out runoff simu This study used various datasets including daily precipitation, stream
lation in the Tropical Region of Deduru Oya River Basin in Sri Lanka flow, soil types, Land use/cover (LULC), and Digital Elevation Model
using the HEC–HMS model, demonstrating its effectiveness in simu (DEM) 12.5 × 12.5 m data. The precipitation data was collected from
lating runoff. Abdessamed et al. (2018) formulated a rainfall-runoff four meteorological stations (Hawasa, Hasayita, Tula, and Waterersa)
model in a semi-arid region of the Ain Sefra watershed in Algeria by available in the study area spanning from 1990 to 2017 sourced from the
implementing an HEC–HMS model. Zelelew and Melesse (2018) Ethiopian Meteorological Agency, and stream flow data from 1990 to
emphasized the location-specific nature of model simulation results, 2015 at the gauging station (indicated on Fig.1) from the Ethiopian
where different combinations of model components responded variably. Hydrological Agency. Similarly, the Soil and DEM data were acquired
Tassew et al. (2019) performed a rainfall-runoff simulation with from the Ethiopian Ministry of Water Resource, Irrigation, and Elec
HEC–HMS for the Lake Tana Basin of the Gilgel Abay catchment in the tricity, whereas the LULC data was obtained from the Ethiopian Map
upper Blue Nile basin in Ethiopia, using six extreme daily time-series ping Agency. The accuracy of the gathered original meteorological and
events. The findings suggested the model’s suitability for hydrological hydrological data has a notable impact on the accuracy of the data used
simulations. Saeedrashed et al. (2020) utilized computational hydro in the model and, by extension, the model’s simulations. Initially, the
logical and hydraulic modeling systems that integrate GIS with the daily rainfall and stream flow data underwent visual inspection for
modeling systems to predict floodplains for the Greater Zab River using quality assurance (Kim et al., 2023). Subsequently, missing data points
HEC–HMS. Wana et al. (2020) applied HEC–HMS for rainfall-runoff were filled in and a thorough evaluation was conducted using the
modeling in the Awash Bello sub-catchment, concluding its efficient normal ratio and double mass curve analysis techniques (Gao et al.,
predictive capabilities. Furthermore, Hamdan et al. (2021) conducted 2017). Data consistency was assessed using the double mass curve
Rainfall-Runoff Modeling with the HEC–HMS Model for the Al-Adhaim method, and additional data quality tests like the homogeneity test were
River Catchment, Northern Iraq, affirming its suitability for hydrological carried out using Excel Stat statistical software. The land use/land cover
simulation. The Tikur Wuha River watershed is situated in the southern (LULC) and soil data of the Tikur Wuha river watershed were extracted
part of the Rift Valley River basin. from the LULC and soil map of the Rift Valley basin. Furthermore, given
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
2.3. Methods
Table 1
Spatial areal coverage and percentage of LULC and soil type of study area.
2.3.1. Software used
No LULC Area Area Soil type Area Area ArcGIS, HEC-GeoHMS, and HEC–HMS were the software employed
(km2) (%) (km2) (%)
in this work. ArcGIS was used to prepare curve numbers grid by merging
1 Bush Land 83.86 12.9 Chromic 258.01 40 soil and land use data, which was subsequently utilized as an input in
Luvisols HEC-GeoHMS to produce curve numbers. The ArcGIS HEC-GeoHMS
2 Cultivated 224.9 34.85 Haplic 245.56 38
land Luvisols
extension toolkit was also used for watershed delineation and the cre
3 Forest land 332.13 51.5 Eutric 30.4 4.7 ation of parameters such as curve numbers, basin model files, gage
Cambisol model files, and met model file (precipitation data) to construct a model
4 Residential 1.173 0.18 Vitric 29.08 4.4 in HEC–HMS. HEC-GeoHMS acts as an intermediary between ArcGIS
area Andosols
and HEC–HMS, facilitating the smooth transfer of data from ArcGIS to
5 wetland 2.1 0.36 Vitric 78.7 12.2
Luvisol HEC–HMS. HEC–HMS requires watershed background shape files for
6 Water body 0.132 0.025 Leptosol 3.66 0.56 precise watershed configuration.
total 645.36 100 total 645.36 100
2.3.2. HEC–HMS model
The Hydrologic Engineering Centre-Hydrological Modeling System
the variability in precipitation levels across different locations, accu
(HEC–HMS), is a highly adaptable and effective hydrological model
rately estimating the average precipitation for the basin is crucial rather
used to analyze the rainfall-runoff process within a watershed. This
than relying solely on single-point rainfall data. Hence, the Isohyetal
model has been widely embraced in numerous hydrological in
method was selected for calculating average precipitation due to its
vestigations due to its capacity to replicate runoff occurrences in both
ability to provide the most precise estimation (Subramanya, 2008).
short-term and long-term scenarios, as well as its user-friendly interface
Accordingly, the average areal precipitation data was computed for each
(Najim, 2013). It is specifically created to mimic the precipitation-runoff
station (W1130, W680, W690, and W800) as shown in Fig.2. Subse
mechanisms of complex watershed systems (Scharffenberger, and
quently, the hydrological and meteorological data in the form of spatial
Fleming, 2016). The HEC–HMS model can be employed to simulate
and time series were organized in a way that was appropriate for the
various scenarios such as single storm events lasting from hours to days,
application of the HEC–HMS hydrological model in the context of
or extended periods of stream flow (daily, monthly, and seasonal)
rainfall-runoff modeling.
(Fleming, and Doan, 2013). The setup of the HEC–HMS model com
Table 2
prises four key components: basin model, meteorological model, control
specifications, and input data (time series, paired data, and gridded
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
(Im et al., 2020). The values of the Curve Number for a specific water
Table 2
shed is determined upon various factors such as land use, soil compo
Average precipitation computed by Isohyetal method for this study area.
sition, and Antecedent Soil Moisture (AMC), with values ranging from
No Isohyetal range Average Area sq.Km Average rainfall 30 soils with high infiltration rates) to 100 (water bodies)
(mm) (mm) (mm)
(Scharffenberg, Fleming, 2016). The SCS CN model is represented by Eq.
1 <990 985 32 49 (1) (Uwizeyimana et al., 2019).
2 990–1020 1005 69 107.45
3 1020–1050 1035 104 167 (P − Ia )2
4 1050–1080 1065 134 221 Q= (1)
(P − Ia ) + S
5 1080–1110 1095 207 352
6 1110–1140 1125 83 145 Where: Q = runoff value (mm); P = precipitation (mm); Ia = initial
7 1155 16.36 29.3
abstraction (mm); S = potential maximum retention is given by Eq. (2):
>1140
∑ ∑
A = Ave = 1071
The potential maximum retention (S) is a function of Curve Number
645.36
(CN) and is inversely proportion to CN. The potential maximum reten
tion is given by Eq. (2):
data). There are multiple techniques available within the model to
25400
simulate processes like infiltration losses, direct runoff estimation, S= − 254 (2)
CN
channel routing, base flow modeling, and meteorological modeling. The
selection of the appropriate model component depends on factors such
as data availability, modeling objectives, and global standards. For the 2.4. Model calibration and validation
present study, methods such as Soil Conservation Service Curve Number
(SCS-CN), Soil Conservation Service Unit Hydrograph (SCS-UH), Calibration of a model involves the meticulous adjustment of specific
Muskingum and Gage weights methods, and constant monthly base flow parameter values within the model to ensure that the simulated out
were chosen to calculate runoff volume, transform excess precipitation comes align closely with the actual observations. The effectiveness of a
to surface runoff, manage channel routing, and simulate the overall hydrologic model is contingent upon the accuracy of its calibration
process, respectively. Additionally, the watershed was subdivided into process, as highlighted by Vaze et al. (2011) in their research. Following
four sub-basins to enhance the model’s performance. The SCS-CN the initial simulation of a model using certain parameters, the subse
methods employed by the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) uses the quent step involved the calibration of the model against observed
Curve Number method for calculating runoff and is applied to ascertain streamflow data. This calibration process entailed the fine-tuning of
the overall volume of infiltration that occurs during a rain event (Lee parameters such as the curve number, lag time, and initial abstraction
et al., 2023). Curve Number (CN) is an index developed by the Soil values until a satisfactory alignment between the simulated and
Conservation Service (SCS) to estimate rainfall loss into soil and the observed results was achieved. Both automated and manual methods
subsequent surface runoff, which is essential for the modeling of were employed to complete this calibration process, reflecting the
rainfall-runoff in hydrological simulations (Jayanti, 2020). It is complexity and precision required in model calibration procedures. To
commonly employed for the estimation of surface runoff in hydrology carry out the calibration, 18 years of daily observed streamflow data
spanning from 1990 to 2010 were utilized, ensuring a robust and
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
comprehensive evaluation of the model’s performance. The iterative for effective disaster management and mitigation strategies (Keast &
nature of model calibration underscores the significance of this process Ellison, 2013;Strupczewski et al., 2017). In this study, the quantity of the
in enhancing the reliability and accuracy of hydrologic models for flood was determined utilizing the HEC–HMS model in conjunction
various applications in water resource management and environmental with the statistical approach known as the Gumbel distribution method,
studies. Through the systematic adjustment of parameters based on which is widely recognized for its efficacy in extreme value analysis and
observed data, model calibration serves as a critical step in validating has been extensively utilized in hydrological studies to predict the
the predictive capabilities of hydrologic models and improving their probability of occurrence of rare flood events with a high degree of
overall performance in simulating real-world scenarios. The utilization reliability and precision (Farooq et al., 2018; Parchure and Gedam,
of extensive observed data over a prolonged period further enhances the 2019; El Mehdi Saidi et al., 2020). To comprehensively assess the fre
robustness and credibility of the calibration outcomes, leading to more quency of flooding events various return periods (2, 10, 25, 50, and 100
informed decision-making in water-related projects and policy devel years) were considered. This rainfall depths data corresponding to these
opment. Model validation involves confirming the model’s predictive return periods, was calculated using Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF)
ability for timeframes beyond the calibration period while keeping the curve. The IDF results for different storm durations and average recur
input parameters unchanged from the calibration process (Vaze et al., rence intervals (ARI) of the region are detailed in Table 3. The greatest
2011). This process guarantees the effectiveness of the calibrated pa rainfall depth was observed over a 24-hour period, and these values
rameters when applied to a separate dataset. The validation of the model were employed in the model simulations.
was carried out by analyzing daily streamflow data from 5 years (2011 Following model calibration and validation, flood frequency analysis
to 2015). was carried out for return periods. For this analysis, the depth of rainfall
recorded over a 24-hour period was employed as the critical input
2.4.1. Model performance evaluation parameter for the HEC–HMS, while simultaneously, the maximum
The assessment of the HEC–HMS model’s performance included annual rainfall data pertinent to the geographic study area was used in
analyzing the accuracy of the observed and simulated stream flow. A the Gumbel method to examine and quantify the magnitude of potential
statistical error test was utilized to assess the quality and dependability flood events.
of the simulated values produced by the HEC–HMS model. In this study, This dual approach not only facilitates a robust evaluation of flood
the evaluation of the model’s effectiveness considered the Nash-Sutcliffe frequency but also enhances predictive accuracy regarding the antici
Efficiency (NSE) and coefficient of determination (R2) as widely used pated severity of flooding scenarios within the designated area of study,
metrics in hydrological modeling. ultimately contributing valuable insights for effective flood manage
ment and mitigation strategies.
A. Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE)
3. Results and discussion
The Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) is a normalized statistic that
determines the relative magnitude of the residual variance compared to 3.1. Hydrologic parameters
the measured data variance (Moriasi et al., 2007). Mathematically, it is
calculated as Eq. (3). As deliberated in the section on methodologies, crucial watershed
∑ attributes such as Curve number, basin lag time, watershed area, basin
(Qob(t) − Qsim(t) )2 slope, potential maximum retention (S), and the initial abstraction from
NSE = 1 − ∑ (3)
(Qob(t) − Qob )2 the watershed were established. The spatial variation of the CN value
within the study area was determined. The study area exhibited a range
Where, NSE: Nash and Sutcliffe Efficiency, Qob: observed value at
of CN values, with a minimum of 30 for forested areas and a maximum of
the ith time interval, Qsim: simulated value at the ith time interval, Qob :
100 for water bodies. However, for rainfall-runoff simulation, each sub-
mean of the observed discharges
basin necessitates a singular CN value. Consequently, HEC-GeoHMS had
already calculated the weighted CN values for each sub-basin. The
A. Coefficient of determination (R2)
minimum and maximum weighted curve number values were identified
as 74.15 and 72.13, respectively. These extremities were observed in
The Coefficient of determination (R2) is another commonly utilized
sub-basins W690 and W680, respectively. The Curve Number value
statistical measure that signifies the level of co-linearity existing be
directly influences runoff generation. Sub-basins with lower CN values
tween the simulated and observed data. It reflects the accuracy of a
result in minimal runoff and higher infiltration rates. Conversely, sub-
model, with a range from zero to one. A value of one indicates flawless
basins with higher CN values exhibit greater runoff potential. Hence,
prediction, while a value of zero indicates inadequate prediction
sub-basins W690 and W680 generate high and low runoff, respectively.
(Moriasi et al., 2007). Its mathematical calculation is performed using
The spatial distribution of CN is illustrated in Fig.3. Similarly, the
Eq. (4).
minimum and maximum initial abstractions were recorded as 17.71 mm
∑ ∑
(Qobs(t) − Qobs ) (Qsim(t) − Qsim(t) )2 in W690 and 19.68 mm in W680 sub-basin. This discrepancy signifies
R2= ∑ ( ∑ (4) the variance in runoff values between W680 and W690. The steepest
(Qobs(t) − Qobs )2 (Qsim(t) − Qsim(t) )2
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
played crucial roles in optimizing the HEC–HMS model, with particular of the simulated and observed stream flow hydrograph at the outlet of
emphasis on curve number and lag time. Detailed results presented in the watershed during the validation period show a similar pattern as the
Table 6 showcased the initial and optimized values of these parameters model calibration period.
along with their corresponding objective function sensitivity values. For
instance, the range of initially computed values for Muskingum-k 3.4. Model performance evaluation
spanned from 1:23 to 3:00 h, which were subsequently adjusted to
1:18 and 2:77 h post-calibration. The performance of the model was evaluated using Nash-Sutcliffe
Furthermore, the calibration process involved computing and Efficiency (NSE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Coefficient of
adjusting the Muskingum-k values for each reach, as outlined in the Determination (R2). Moriasi et al. (2007) studied model evaluation
comprehensive Table 6. This meticulous approach ensured that the guidelines for systematic quantification of accuracy in Watershed sim
model accurately captured the flow dynamics at different sections of the ulations and stated that the model to be very good, the value of NSE and
watershed. Similarly, the determination of Muskingum-x values for each R2 should be between 0.75 and 1.0, whereas, the value of RMSE should
reach was achieved through a methodical trial and error process, ulti be 0 to 0.5. Similarly, Schaefli and Gupta (2007), Kashid (2010), and
mately resulting in optimized values of 0.24. These detailed adjustments Vaze (2011) stated that, if the value of NSE and R2 during calibration
and optimizations underscore the thoroughness and rigor applied to the and validation are between 0.75 and 1 the model performance rating is
calibration of the HEC–HMS model, leading to a more reliable repre classified as a very good model. For the current research, the NSE and R2
sentation of the hydrological system. values exceeded 0.75 in both the calibration and validation periods,
Fig. 5 illustrates the comparison between the simulated and observed while RMSE values were 0.5 and 0.4 during calibration and validation,
flow hydrographs of the Tikur Wuha River watershed at the outlet respectively. The results from calibration and validation phases
following the calibration period. The agreement between the low flow demonstrated a robust correlation between the modeled and observed
and peak flow of both the simulated and observed hydrographs was streamflow data. Consequently, the HEC–HMS model achieved a high
notably strong, displaying a consistent pattern throughout the calibra performance rating based on these statistical metrics. The model’s
tion period. Additionally, the scatter plot depicting the relationship ability to predict accurately during calibration and validation stages
between the measured and simulated stream flow for the same cali suggests its efficacy in efficiently simulating daily streamflow from
bration period reveals a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.91, signifying a rainfall data in the study area. Therefore, the model’s performance was
robust correlation between the simulated data and the actual observed deemed satisfactory and deemed suitable for predicting peak floods
stream data as depicted in Fig.4. under various management scenarios in the future. Additionally, the
simulated streamflow data effectively represented the observed
3.3.2. Model validation streamflow data in the study area.
All statistical error tests were observed to fall within an acceptable Table 7
range (0.75–1) throughout the validation process, specifically during the
calibration period, indicating that the predicted calibration outcome has 3.5. Flood prediction
been duly confirmed. The graphical representation in Fig.6 illustrates a
close alignment between the low flows and peak flow of both the 3.5.1. Flood prediction by HEC-HMS
simulated and observed streamflow hydrographs, demonstrating a Flood frequency analysis was carried out for return periods of 2, 10,
consistent pattern during the validation phase. This empirical evidence 25, 50, and 100 years utilizing the HEC–HMS model within the Tikur
strongly suggests that the HEC–HMS model exhibits a high level of Wuha River watershed. The analysis took into account a 24-hour rainfall
performance in replicating stream flow data within the designated study depth, resulting in peak floods of varying magnitudes. The investigation
area. Hence, it can be inferred that the model holds promise for accu revealed that the range of peak flood levels at the outlet of the Tikur
rately representing the hydrological processes in the region. Wuha River watershed spanned from 133.2 m3/s to 346.19 m3/s. This
The scatter plot of measured and simulated flow during the valida disparity signifies that the lowest peak flood within the Tikur Wuha
tion period shows a fair linear correlation between the simulated and River watershed occurred during a 2-year return period with a 24-hour
observed data during the calibration period Fig. 7. The shape and scatter storm duration, while the highest flood was observed for the 100-year
return period under similar storm conditions. Assuming a constant
basin lag time across all return periods (2, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years), the
Table 6 study successfully predicted the peak discharge and shape of the
HEC–HMS optimized parameters of Tikur Wuha watershed. hydrograph for each scenario. These predictions were visually observed
Element Parameter Unit Initial Optimized Objective in Table 8, providing a comprehensive overview of the hydrological
value value function dynamics in the Tikur Wuha River watershed.
sensitivity
W680 Lag time HR 75.95 77.23 − 0.37 3.5.2. Comparison of HEC-HMS and gumbel distribution result
Curve 65.7 56.21 − 0.17
The distribution that exhibited the highest level of suitability to the
Number
W690 Lag time HR 53.6 54.3 − 0.46 stream flow data provided was found to be the Gumbel distribution
Initial MM 22.3 22.45 − 0.23 through rigorous statistical analysis. The anticipated maximum flow
abstraction rate derived from the application of this specific probability distribution
W800 Initial MM 10.3 15.15 0.00 function has been delineated and presented thoroughly within Table 9,
abstraction
W1130 Initial MM 8.7 9.13 0.00
offering valuable insights into the potential peak flow scenarios in the
abstraction context of the studied data set. This statistical modeling approach not
Curve 85.4 84.34 − 0.32 only aids in understanding the underlying patterns and trends within the
Number stream flow data but also facilitates the projection of peak flow values
R480 Muskingum-k HR 3.00 2.77 0.00
with a certain degree of confidence, thereby enhancing the predictive
Muskingum-x 0.25 0.24 0.00
R330 Muskingum-k HR 2:00 1.88 0.00 capabilities of the analysis.
R320 Muskingum-k HR 1:89 1.78 0.00 The outcome derived from the Gumbel method was observed to
Muskingum-x 0.25 0.24 0.00 exhibit a high degree of proximity to the simulated outcome generated
R400 Muskingum-k HR 1:75 1.65 0.00 by HEC–HMS model as illustrated in Fig.8. Nevertheless, it was noted
R350 Muskingum-k HR 1:23 1.18 − 0.01
that the maximum flood level forecasted by the HEC–HMS model
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
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J.U. Guduru and A.S. Mohammed Environmental Challenges 17 (2024) 101017
In general, study verified the practical applicability of the proposed Farooq, M., Farooq, M., Shafique, M., & Khattak, M.S. (2018). Flood frequency analysis of
river swat using Log Pearson type 3, Generalized Extreme Value, Normal, and Gumbel
model in conjunction with the quantification of flood events across the
Max distribution methods. 11(9). https://doi.org/10.1007/S12517-018-3553-Z.
study area, thereby establishing its potential utility as a base input for Fleming, M.J. and Doan, J.H. (2013) HEC-GeoHMS geospatial hydrologic modeling
subsequent researchers who aim to delineate the areal extent of flooding extention manual vesion 10.1.
as well as the identification of areas that are particularly susceptible to Fleming and Scharffenberg, (2016) ‘Hydrologic Modeling System (Hec-Hms): new
features for urban’.
flooding and implementing suitable strategies to mitigate its effects in Gao, P., Gao, P., Li, P., Li, P., Zhao, B., Zhao, B., Xu, R., Xu, R., Zhao, G., Zhao, G.,
the specified research area within the watershed. Sun, W., Sun, W., Mu, X., Mu, X., 2017. Use of double mass curves in hydrologic
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CRediT authorship contribution statement Gholami, V., Sahour, H., 2021. Simulation of rainfall-runoff process using an artificial
neural network (ANN) and field plots data. Theor. Appl. Climatol. 1–12. https://doi.
Jerjera Ulu Guduru: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original org/10.1007/S00704-021-03817-4.
Halwatura, D., Najim, M., 2013. Application of the HEC-HMS model for runoff
draft, Resources, Methodology, Investigation, Conceptualization. Aya simulation in a tropical catchment. Environ. Modell. Softw. 46, 155–162.
tullah Shis Mohammed: Writing – original draft, Visualization. Hamdan, A.N.A., Almuktar, S.A.A.A.N., Almuktar, S.A.A.A.N., Scholz, M., Scholz, M.,
Scholz, M., 2021. Rainfall-runoff modeling using the hec-hms model for the al-
adhaim river catchment, northern iraq. Hydrology 8 (2), 58. https://doi.org/
Declaration of competing interest 10.3390/HYDROLOGY8020058.
Hoogestraat, G.K., 2011. Flood hydrology and Dam-Breach Hydraulic analyses of four
The author declared no conflict of interest. reservoirs in the Black Hills, South Dakota. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific
Investigations Report 2011–5011. U.S. Geological Survey:, Reston, VA, USA, p. 37.
Im, S., Lee, J., Kuraji, K., Lai, Y.-J., Tuankrua, V., Tanaka, N., Gomyo, M., Inoue, H., &
Data availability Tseng, C.-W. (2020). Soil conservation service curve number determination for forest
cover using rainfall and runoff data in experimental forests. 25(4). https://doi.org/
Data will be made available on request. 10.1080/13416979.2020.1785072.
Jayanti, M. (2020). Climate change impacts on hydrology regime and water resources
sustainability in cimanuk watershed, west java, indonesia. 19(71). https://doi.org/10
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The authors express their gratitude to the Ethiopian Ministry of of-line quality assurance with visual inspection and convolutional neural networks.
Water, Irrigation, and Electricity for graciously providing essential data Tm-Tech. Mess. 90 (3), 196–204. https://doi.org/10.1515/teme-2022-0092.
Kimhuy, S. and Chantha, O., 2016. Application of HEC-HMS Model to assess streamflow
sets including soil characteristics, stream flow information, and land and water resources availability in stung sangker catchment of mekong’ tonle sap
use/cover statistics. Furthermore, they extend their appreciation to the Lake Basin in Cambodia DOI: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints201612.0136.vl.
Ethiopian National Meteorological Agency for supplying crucial rainfall Lee, K.K.F., Ling, L., & Yusop, Z. (2023). The revised curve number rainfall–runoff
methodology for an improved runoff prediction. 15(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/
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Funding
2007. Model evaluation guidelines for systematic quantification of accuracy in
Watershed simulations. ASABE 50, 885–900.
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding Najim, 2013. Application of the HEC-HMS model for runoff simulation in a tropical
agencies. catchment. Environ. Model (46), 155–162.
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