Calibration of hydrological model parameters and PUB

Introduction Conclusions References Tables Figures Back Close Full Screen / Esc Papers published in Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Discussions are under open-access review for the journal Hydrology and Earth System Sciences Abstract Introduction Conclusions References Tables Figures Back Close Full Screen / Esc Abstract The parameters of hydrological models for catchments with few or no discharge records can only be estimated using regional information. One can assume that catchments with similar characteristics show a similar hydrological behaviour and thus can be mod-eled using similar model parameters. Therefore a regionalisation of the hydrological 5 model parameters on the basis of catchment characteristics is plausible. However, due to the non-uniqueness of the rainfall-runoff model parameters (equifinality), a workflow of regional parameter estimation by model calibration and a subsequent fit of a regional function is not appropriate. In this paper a different approach for the transfer of entire parameter sets from one catchment to another is discussed. Transferable parameter 10 sets are identified using regional statistics: means and variances of annual discharges estimated from catchment properties and annual climate statistics.