Probabilistic Forecasting of Drought Events Using Markov Chain- and Bayesian Network-Based Models A Case Study of an Andean Regulated River Basin

[EN] The scarcity of water resources in mountain areas can distort normal water application patterns with among other effects, a negative impact on water supply and river ecosystems. Knowing the probability of droughts might help to optimize a priori the planning and management of the water resource...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Avilés-Añazco, Alex, Celleri, Rolando, Solera Solera, Abel|||0000-0001-7464-3963, Paredes Arquiola, Javier|||0000-0003-3198-2169
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2016
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/94611
Acceso en línea:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/94611
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Probabilistic drought forecasting
Drought index
Markov chains
Bayesian networks
copulas
Andean watersheds
INGENIERIA HIDRAULICA
Descripción
Sumario:[EN] The scarcity of water resources in mountain areas can distort normal water application patterns with among other effects, a negative impact on water supply and river ecosystems. Knowing the probability of droughts might help to optimize a priori the planning and management of the water resources in general and of the Andean watersheds in particular. This study compares Markov chain- (MC) and Bayesian network- (BN) based models in drought forecasting using a recently developed drought index with respect to their capability to characterize different drought severity states. The copula functions were used to solve the BNs and the ranked probability skill score (RPSS) to evaluate the performance of the models. Monthly rainfall and streamflow data of the Chulco River basin, located in Southern Ecuador, were used to assess the performance of both approaches. Global evaluation results revealed that the MC-based models predict better wet and dry periods, and BN-based models generate slightly more accurately forecasts of the most severe droughts. However, evaluation of monthly results reveals that, for each month of the hydrological year, either the MC- or BN-based model provides better forecasts. The presented approach could be of assistance to water managers to ensure that timely decision-making on drought response is undertaken