Assessing the vulnerability of water resources in the context of climate changes in a small forested watershed using SWAT: A review

• Published in: Environmental research Vol. 184; p. 109330
• Main Authors: Marin, Mirabela, Clinciu, Ioan, Tudose, Nicu Constantin, Ungurean, Cezar, Adorjani, Andrei, Mihalache, Alin Lucian, Davidescu, Adriana Agafia, Davidescu, Șerban Octavian, Dinca, Lucian, Cacovean, Horea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01-05-2020
• Subjects: Hydrological modeling; Small forested watersheds; SWAT performance; Water resources; Small forested watersheds; Hydrological modeling; SWAT performance; Water resources
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109330

The present study evaluates the applicability performance of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in small forested watersheds (less than 1000 km2). This open-source software is widely used in investigations focused on water availability and quality. Overall, SWAT model performance ranges between satisfactory to good. Normally, underestimates daily peak discharges. The limitations of the model are related to the accuracy of climate data used and to the time period used for validation. Watershed area, forest cover and streamflow spatial distribution have an important influence on modeling processes. Overall, from the analyzed studies, we observed for discharge a decreasing tendency, more pronounced towards the end of the 21st century (up to −54%). For surface runoff, was noticed the same decreasing tendency up to 41%. Regarding sediment yield, the results vary within very wide limits. These findings vary according to watershed location, scenarios adopted, and the eligible period of time.
•Good performance of the SWAT obtained and reported in small forested watersheds.•A future development of SWAT software by accurately defining the LAI is recommended.•Negatively impacted of water quality and quantity from small forested watersheds.•Coherent strategies are mandatory to ensure the sustainability of water resources.