Application of HEC-HMS for rainfall-runoff modelling in Mozambique and France

Abstract

In the present study, the suitability of HEC-HMS to simulate event-based rainfall-runoff in the catchments of Revubue in Mozambique and Ardèche in France was evaluated. These are tributaries of two important rivers in Africa (Zambezi) and Europe (Rhone). Despite the low mean discharges in both rivers, it is common to observe floods in certain periods (October – January). The hydrologic models were calibrated and verified based on observed (historical) precipitation and runoff data. As for many developing countries, availability of reliable hydrologic data remains an important issue in Mozambique. Indeed, the study highlighted some limitations imposed by the scarcity and lower resolution of hydrological data in Mozambique. Despite the difficulties related to the unsatisfactory quality of the data in Revubue basin, it was found that the model performs relatively well in terms of time and magnitude of peak flows of the studied flood events. Very good results were observed for Ardèche catchment. The good performance suggest that HEC-HMS may be suitable for flood modelling and/or forecasting in the studied catchments.