Assessing Streamflow Sensitivity to Precipitation Variability in Karst?Influenced Catchments With Unclosed Water Balances

Karst hydrological models are widely used for simulating groundwater dynamics at the aquifer scale. However, modeling streamflow of a topographic catchment that is partially covered by karst rarely reported. This absence due to difficulties properly considering strong differences karstic and nonkarstic hydrodynamics widespread occurrence unclosed water balances in regions intercatchment flow (IGF). In this study, we present new approach uses signatures identify important natural processes appropriate model structures simulation karst-influenced catchments. We account IGF apply our six catchments Europe Middle East. estimate contributions parts total sensitivity. With different identified sites, reduces balance errors 18% root mean squared error 20% where deemed important. find modifies contribution areas The sensitivity increases under gaining conditions decreases losing with larger discharge elasticity, while it shows converse change smaller elasticity. Modeling requires consideration between areas, matters balances.