Comparative analysis between KINEROS2 and SWAT for hydrological modeling: A case study from Tleta Watershed in Morocco

Abstract

 Hydrological models are very useful tools for simulating the effect of natural processes and management practices on soil and water resources at the watershed level. However, the applicability of a model relies on the accuracy to simulate measured data. Thus, the aim of this study is a comparative review of the results of two recent studies carried out on the tleta watershed, to evaluate the performance of two models, namely KINEROS2 (Kinematic Runoff and erosion), coupled with AGWA (Automated Geospatial Watershed Assessment), and SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool), to predict runoff and sediment yields deposited at Ibn Batouta dam at the outlet of tleta watershed. The comparative analysis between simulated and observed value of runoff and sediment yield was performed using two statistical criteria. The results showed that these two models were able to simulate runoff during the calibration period, with (R²=0.98 and NSE=0.96) for runoff K2, and (R²=0.92 and NSE=0.89) for SWAT. A slight reduction in agreement between sediment yields was observed for SWAT (R²=0.84 and NSE=0.74) and a better accuracy was noted for K2 (R²=0.99 and NSE=0.97).