An evidence for enhancing the design hydrograph estimation for small and ungauged basins in Ethiopia

Study region: Ethiopia and Upper Blue Nile Basin.Study focus: Estimating design hydrograph characteristics (e.g. flood peak discharge, volume and duration) is a crucial topic in hydrology and this is particularly challenging in data scarce regions. In recent years, significant innovations in hydrological modeling were introduced, allowing for more advanced analyses also in ungauged areas, in doing so limiting the application of empirical approaches (e.g. the rational formula). In the present work we summarize the current practice in Ethiopia and explore the possibility to apply a simplified continuous modeling for estimating design hydrographs.New hydrological insights for the region: This study supports the conclusion that COSMO4SUB (Continuous Simulation Model for Small and Ungauged Basins) framework, a simplified continuous rainfall-runoff model specifically tailored for small and ungauged basins, can be applied in Ethiopia. Indeed, the minimal information available in the country are sufficient for applying such modeling approach, that can provide useful outputs for a variety of practical hydrological studies.

Automated summary

This study summarizes the current practice in Ethiopia and explores the possibility of using a simplified continuous modeling approach to estimate design hydrograph characteristics. The study finds that this modeling approach is applicable in Ethiopia and can provide useful outputs for practical hydrological studies.