MIKE HYDRO River

Model Calibration and verification

CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

MIKE HYDRO River – Model Calibration and Verification

Model calibration:
Model calibration is the process of
adjustment of the model parameters
and forcing within the margins of the
uncertainties - to obtain a model
representation of the processes of
interest that satisfies pre-agreed
criteria

© DHI

1
CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Model Data Requirements

Reliable Data Required: ‘GARBAGE IN = GARBAGE OUT’

Topographic Data:
• Logical Schematisation of Model
• Survey of Cross-sections and Structures
• Aerial/Satellite/Radar images of flood extents
• Width, Area, Volume of inundated floodplains
• Reservoir data (control strategy, spillway etc.)
• DATUM - Same reference level for all data!

Hydraulic Data (used for boundary conditions and model calibration):

• Stage & Discharge Hydrographs
• Rating Curves and Velocity Data
• Peak Water levels during significant events
• Anecdotal Flow Behaviour (direction, breakouts)
© DHI

CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Model Calibration (Water Balance)

Before modifying parameters to Match Levels, make sure the Water Balance
is Correct:

Check:
• Runoff from catchments
• Inflows from tributaries not explicitly modelled
• Industrial outlets and dam releases
• Initial conditions in the floodplain
• Tidal flows from the ocean

© DHI

2
CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Model Calibration (Storage Volume)

It is important to get the Storage Volumes in the Model Correct:

Check:
• Reservoir volumes (particularly above the spillway level)
• Additional storage in tributaries/areas not explicitly modelled
• Floodplains and secondary flow paths
• Variations in cross-sectional width
• Reach lengths (channel meander)

© DHI

CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Model Calibration
Adjustment of model parameters for obtaining Coincidence
between Simulated and Measured Values:

1. Timing of Peak 3. Shape of Hydrograph

- Reach lengths correct - Variation of resistance with depth
- Resistance in the channel - Model schematisation
- Hydrologic inputs - Hydrologic inputs

2. Value of Peak 4. Volume of Hydrograph

- Resistance in the floodplain - Storage in the model
- Storage in the model - Resistance in the floodplain
- Link channels - Hydrologic inputs
- Structures defined properly

© DHI

3
CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Model Calibration (Resistance)

Main Calibration Parameter is Resistance (Roughness)

Various Options for Modifying Resistance in MIKE HYDRO River:

Defined in the Tabular Sections

Transversal and Depth Varying of Cross-Sections file

Longitudinal Variation Defined in the Bed resistance

GUI page

Defined as a Time Series

Temporal Variation variation and Applied through
the Bed resistance GUI page

© DHI

CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Roughness (Transversal/Depth Variation)

Defined in the Tabular Sections of the

Cross-Section as a Value or a Factor:

1. Transversal
- Assigned in Raw Data Section
- Distribution across cross section width
- Value or Factor, Different Formulations

2. Depth Varying
- Assigned in the Processed Data Section
- Distribution with elevations defined in table
- Multiplication factor or specific resistance values
n  r ( H )  nHDeditor
© DHI

4
CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Roughness (Longitudinal Variation)

Global and Local Values Applied in the Bed resistance GUI page

M = 30
Global Value

+
Manning’s M

M = 30
M = 25 Local Values
M = 20

M = 30
Resulting bed
M = 25 resistance
M = 20

0.0 5000 10000 15000 20000 Distance

[m]

© DHI

CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Roughness (Seasonal Variation)

Time Dependent Resistance Factor:

• Specified in the ‘Bed resistance factors’ page

• Defined global and/or by Reach

• Time-varying resistance factor in dfs0-file

• Designed for long simulations (years)

M  resfac(t )  M bed resistance page

© DHI

5
CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Verification process supporting the Calibration activity

Securing general Model Accuracy, Reliability and Applicability!

MUST Verify Model’s Performance – VERY IMPORTANT!

If possible, apply two sets of historical events

One for Calibration and one for Verification
Representing different flow magnitudes and patterns.

Verification:
Testing the calibrated model parameters for accuracy
And performance against Verification Data Set

© DHI

CALIBRATION AND VERIFICATION

Calibrated and Validated model

Model Accuracy – what can be expected/requested?

• Each Case/Model is Unique

• Depends on Budget and Time Constraints

• Quality of Data in an Important Consideration

• No General, Quantitative criterion can be given

© DHI