Multi-model evaluation of catchment- and global-scale hydrological model simulations of drought characteristics across eight large river catchments

Although global- and catchment-scale hydrological models are often shown to accurately simulate long-term runoff time-series, far less is known about their suitability for capturing extremes, such as droughts. Here we evaluated simulations of droughts from nine catchment scale (CHMs) eight global (GHMs) large catchments: Upper Amazon, Lena, Mississippi, Niger, Rhine, Tagus, Yangtze Yellow. The were conducted within the framework phase 2a Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP2a). We ability CHMs, GHMs respective ensemble means (Ens-CHM Ens-GHM) observed at least one month duration, over 31 years (1971–2001). Hydrological drought events identified runoff-deficits Standardised Runoff Index (SRI). In all catchments, CHMs performed relatively better than GHMs, simulating monthly runoff-deficits. number under different categories (i.e. SRI values -1 -1.49, -1.5 -1.99, ≤-2) varied significantly between models. All models, well two means, have limited abilities in terms occurrence magnitude. Overall, there opportunities improve both characterisation