Comparing calibrated parameter sets of the SWAT model for the Scandinavian and Iberian peninsulas

Different SWAT models have been set-up to predict water discharge at the European scale, applying an innovative modelling protocol that involves sensitivity analysis, multi-variable calibration and regionalization of the calibrated parameters. In this application, two large regions have been considered: the Scandinavian and the Iberian peninsulas, with the main objectives: (a) to study the spatial variation of calibrated parameter sets obtained for selected sub-basins, and (b) identification of the most relevant hydrological processes in each region. The results of the analysis highlight that snow processes are dominant in Scandinavia; groundwater processes are significant in both the Scandinavian and Iberian peninsulas, while lateral flow is not significant in either region. Calibrated soil hydraulic parameters have different ranges of values in each region, reflecting a difference in runoff-generating mechanisms between the two studied regions. The contribution of this analysis is the assessment of the main differences between hydrological processes across Europe and understanding of the major transport pathways for pollutants. [GRAPHICS] Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz; Guest editor V. Krysanova