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Influence of Hydraulic Conductivity Conceptualization and Unsaturated Flow Parameters for an Integrated Hydrological Model

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Title: Influence of Hydraulic Conductivity Conceptualization and Unsaturated Flow Parameters for an Integrated Hydrological Model
Authors: Edinsson Muñoz‐Vega, Heye Reemt Bogena, Juan Carlos Richard‐Cerda, Reed M. Maxwell, Stephan Schulz
Source: Water Resources Research, Vol 61, Iss 11, Pp n/a-n/a (2025)
Publisher Information: Wiley, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Environmental sciences
Subject Terms: Parflow‐CLM, hydraulic conductivity, anisotropy, van genuchten parameters, wilting point, integrated hydrologic modeling, Environmental sciences, GE1-350
Description: Abstract In recent decades, integrated hydrologic models (IHMs) have advanced our understanding of hydrologic processes across catchment to continental scales. These models couple surface and variably saturated subsurface flow, incorporating land surface models to represent interactions within the critical zone. However, high computational costs hinder calibration and sensitivity analysis. Prior studies show that outputs such as runoff, soil moisture, and energy fluxes are highly sensitive to subsurface parametrization, particularly to the hydraulic conductivity (K) in both saturated and unsaturated zones. Despite its relevance in soil‐vegetation interactions, sensitivity to unsaturated parameters has been less explored, often limited to synthetic domains. To address this, we designed a deterministic approach consisting of 55 simulations, to explore K and other parameters sensitivities. We employed the parallel, fully integrated model Parflow‐CLM to simulate water and energy fluxes in a headwater catchment in the Odenwald, Germany. Simulations were evaluated against streamflow and soil moisture observations to ensure realistic results. Multiple combinations of K‐values, anisotropies, and van Genuchten parameters were tested, examining the impact of soil hydraulic properties on plant water uptake. Results show that increasing K enhances baseflow and attenuates peak flows, while anisotropy in shallow horizons significantly affects runoff and groundwater dynamics. The shape of the soil water retention curve, represented by the van Genuchten parameters, as well as saturation at field capacity and wilting point, strongly influence simulated soil moisture during dry periods. Overall, our analysis provides insights into subsurface parameter sensitivities to hydrologic responses, supporting the design of calibration schemes for IHM applications.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1944-7973
0043-1397
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/0043-1397; https://doaj.org/toc/1944-7973
DOI: 10.1029/2025WR040785
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/55751eef7d14490d91a4f63d461b3dfa
Accession Number: edsdoj.55751eef7d14490d91a4f63d461b3dfa
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
Description
Abstract:Abstract In recent decades, integrated hydrologic models (IHMs) have advanced our understanding of hydrologic processes across catchment to continental scales. These models couple surface and variably saturated subsurface flow, incorporating land surface models to represent interactions within the critical zone. However, high computational costs hinder calibration and sensitivity analysis. Prior studies show that outputs such as runoff, soil moisture, and energy fluxes are highly sensitive to subsurface parametrization, particularly to the hydraulic conductivity (K) in both saturated and unsaturated zones. Despite its relevance in soil‐vegetation interactions, sensitivity to unsaturated parameters has been less explored, often limited to synthetic domains. To address this, we designed a deterministic approach consisting of 55 simulations, to explore K and other parameters sensitivities. We employed the parallel, fully integrated model Parflow‐CLM to simulate water and energy fluxes in a headwater catchment in the Odenwald, Germany. Simulations were evaluated against streamflow and soil moisture observations to ensure realistic results. Multiple combinations of K‐values, anisotropies, and van Genuchten parameters were tested, examining the impact of soil hydraulic properties on plant water uptake. Results show that increasing K enhances baseflow and attenuates peak flows, while anisotropy in shallow horizons significantly affects runoff and groundwater dynamics. The shape of the soil water retention curve, represented by the van Genuchten parameters, as well as saturation at field capacity and wilting point, strongly influence simulated soil moisture during dry periods. Overall, our analysis provides insights into subsurface parameter sensitivities to hydrologic responses, supporting the design of calibration schemes for IHM applications.
ISSN:19447973
00431397
DOI:10.1029/2025WR040785