A Rating Curve Model Accounting for Cyclic Stage?Discharge Shifts due to Seasonal Aquatic Vegetation

Managing stage-discharge relations at hydrometric stations affected by seasonal aquatic vegetation is challenging. Their ratings vary continuously in time so that establishing the streamflow series difficult. To best of our knowledge, no rating curve model exists to deal with a vegetated channel control, only manual adjustment methods. address this issue, temporal accounting for transient changes due developed. The built on basic concepts from open-channel hydraulics and plant physiology. In model, flow resistance varies through as function development (growth decay) ability reconfigure. Model parameters uncertainty are estimated Bayesian inference combining prior knowledge hydraulic controls station observational data. addition traditionally used gaugings, allows use qualitative observations state (e.g., plant, growth, decay). tested validated French where frequent gaugings (twice month) written comments about available over more than 20 years. Relative errors between simulated discharges observed mostly range ±20% curve. contrast, they higher ±50% standard module. This case study highlights importance using predict water discharge. We finally discuss some possible improvements extensions recommend methods data collection.