Insights of remote sensing data to surmount rainfall/runoff data limitations of the downstream catchment of Pineios River, Greece

Efficient rainfall/runoff data modeling necessitates field data availability. Remote and rough terrain areas restrict data collection that leads to less reliable simulated models. Consequently, complete geographic databases are the quest to conduct over the catchment under investigation. The hydrologic model developed for this research based on different return periods (2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 years) gave significant discharge outputs. It was found that a basin average precipitation having a return period of 5 years yields a peak discharge of 1032.7 m(3)/s with the time of peak occurring 23.25 h after the event has started. It results in a volume of 79.9x10(6) m(3). A storm event having a return period of 200 years, with basin average rainfall approximately two times more intense than the above yields an enormous discharge of 2191.1 m(3)/s and an accumulative volume of water of 158.8x10(6) m(3). Accordingly, the catchment cannot accommodate such significant volumes of water and flooding becomes unavoidable. Therefore, hydrological, and hydraulic models can support decision-makers in correspondence to the catchment management problems for the sustainable and economic development of the wider area, by providing systematic and consistent information.

Automated summary

Efficient rainfall/runoff data modeling relies on field data availability, with remote areas often leading to less reliable models. The study developed a hydrological model based on various return periods, showing that different intensities of precipitation can lead to significant discharge and potential flooding in the catchment area.