Implementation of a Peatland-Specific Water Budget Algorithm in HYDROTEL

HYDROTEL, a distributed hydrological model, was used to simulate streamflows of the Necopastic watershed (N53 degrees 40.6';W78 degrees 09.8'), James Bay, Quebec. Because of the prevalence of peatlands in the studied environment, important issues regarding soil parameterization in the vertical, three-layer, water budget sub-model (BV3C) of HYDROTEL were raised. Since BV3C was originally developed for mineral soils, an alternative, peatland-specific, water budget sub-model (PHIM) was integrated into HYDROTEL. Basic data requirements included a description of the organic soil structure and a watertable/discharge relationship. PHIM was calibrated with data collected on a peatland complex located within the Necopastic watershed. Preliminary results of observed and simulated streamflows using both the original and the adapted versions of HYDROTEL compared well, therefore leading the way to future simulations of North-Bore-A watersheds.