Runoff Modeling Efficiency for the Upper Ussuri Basin Using Observational Data and the ERA5 Reanalysis

Abstract

Experience of using meteorological observations and the ERA5 reanalysis for runoff modeling using the GR4J conceptual model is outlined. The study objects are catchments within the Ussuri River basin (Kirovskii, the Russian Far East). The results of the comparison of ground-based observations and reanalysis data are presented. The hydrological model has been calibrated and verified on the basis of various data sources. The traditional scores NSE, logNSE, and BIAS have been used to evaluate the modeling efficiency. According to the scores, the modeling efficiency is generally "satisfactory" and better. It is shown that for simulations, it is better to use observation network data in case of floods and the reanalysis data in case of spring high water and low flow periods. It is concluded that the effective resolution of the ERA5 data for daily precipitation and air temperature for hydrological modeling in the study area is \(0.75^\circ{-}1.0^\circ\) (\(\sim\)90–120 km).