Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This research investigates the relationships between the parameters of the GR4J hydrological model and a set of morphometric descriptors, climatic indices, land-cover characteristics, and soil properties across the Caquetá River Basin (Colombia). Twelve limnimetric–limnographic gauges with consistent records for the period 2001–2022 were selected for model calibration and validation. The corresponding sub-watersheds were delineated and characterized in terms of geomorphometry, vegetation cover, and soil permeability. According to that, the morphometric assessment focused on estimating key geomorphometric parameters, while land-cover descriptions utilized NDVI data. Soil type identification was based on the average approximate permeability across each analyzed sub-watershed. Model calibration was performed using the Differential Evolution Markov Chain (DE-MC) algorithm with 8000 simulations, forced by CHIRPS satellite precipitation and ERA5 potential evaporation data. Relationships between GR4J parameters and watershed attributes were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation and curve-fitting analyses. The results reveal strong and consistent relationships between GR4J parameters (X1–X4) and key morphometric variables, including basin perimeter, circularity ratio, main channel length, and channel slope. Coefficients of determination ranged from 0.80 to 0.98, highlighting the potential for parameter regionalization based on physiographic and environmental descriptors.
Source: Water
DOI: 10.3390/w18070786
Institution: Universidad de Salamanca
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Awards: G5605664492, G6281629833, G8920660035
OpenAlex ID: W7140864080