Use of a hydrological model in two sub-basins in Southern Brazil

Computational modeling of the hydrological response of a basin has several practical functions, such as flood forecast and water availability. This paper has the purpose of calibrating and validating a hydrological model in order to develop further land cover and water management policies as well as engineering projects in the region. The present study used the MGB-IPH model, which was applied in two sub-basins in southern Brazil. Classes of hydrological response were initially defined based on land cover and soil type data. Rainfall and flow data were obtained through data available on the National Water Agency website. The model was applied for a period of 8 years, 4 years for calibration (2005–2008) and 4 years for validation (2009–2012). Hydrographs were obtained for both periods, which were compared with the observed data, the results of which were satisfactory. Graphs of permanence curve were also generated, which show a good approximation of the calculated and observed data. To confirm the good performance of the model, statistical factors were also examined, which presented values similar to other studies. Despite being developed for large basins, the model has proved itself accurate for basins the size as the ones in this paper.