Application of hydrological model HidroBacia in Jaqueira stream watershed, Espírito Santo

Abstract

Hydrologic simulation of watersheds is an useful tool for the water resources management and to reduce environmental degradation in watersheds. This work evaluated the applicability of the hydrologic modeling in a small watershed using the HidroBacia model at Alegre-ES and compare the results of flow maximum (Qmáx) and surface runoff flow (LES) in watershed "outlet" with rational methods (MR) and Curve Number (MNC). The soil water infiltration process is represented by means of the Green-Ampt equation, modified by Mein and Larson (GAML) in this model. This equation needs the parameters: matric potential in the wetting front, hydraulic conductivity and soil moisture in the "field saturation". This work assessed seventy two input combinations of parameters for equation GAML. Compared to real data (obtained at the watershed "outlet") the Qmáx and LES with the simulated by HidroBacia and by the MR and MNC. Verify in this work seven best combinations estimated Qmáx and LES in simulations with HidroBacia. The simulated data by the MR and MNC overestimated Qmáx and LES, respectively. Therefore, for experimental condition, recommend the use of hydrological model HidroBacia to estimate both parameters the Qmáx and the LES.