The calibration phase of hydrological and hydraulic models usually rely on the availability of in-situ observations which may be limited, or absent, in vast areas of the globe. In this context, the recent advances in radar-altimetry technology may represent a valid alternative for providing remotely sensed water level for lakes and rivers, even located in poorly-gauged area. The present analysis mainly aims to investigate the usefulness of water surface elevation data provided by ERS-2 and ENVISAT satellites for the calibration of hydraulic numerical models. Focusing on a 130 km reach of the middle-lower portion of the Po river, we inves-tigated the opportunity of calibrating a quasi two-dimensional (quasi-2D) numeri-cal model for intermediate streamflow conditions. Referring in turn to in-situ and remotely sensed water levels we calibrated the model comparing the results in terms of calibrated roughness coefficient. Our analysis points out that even if the accuracy of a single satellite measurement is not particularly high, a large re-motely sensed data-set can effectively describe the hydrometric regime in a given cross-section and can integrate field observations, improving the knowledge on the streamflow regime and enhancing the model calibration.

Hydraulic model calibration using remote-sensing data: the usefulness of ERS-2 and ENVISAT water surface levels

DOMENEGHETTI, ALESSIO;CASTELLARIN, ATTILIO;BRATH, ARMANDO
2015

Abstract

The calibration phase of hydrological and hydraulic models usually rely on the availability of in-situ observations which may be limited, or absent, in vast areas of the globe. In this context, the recent advances in radar-altimetry technology may represent a valid alternative for providing remotely sensed water level for lakes and rivers, even located in poorly-gauged area. The present analysis mainly aims to investigate the usefulness of water surface elevation data provided by ERS-2 and ENVISAT satellites for the calibration of hydraulic numerical models. Focusing on a 130 km reach of the middle-lower portion of the Po river, we inves-tigated the opportunity of calibrating a quasi two-dimensional (quasi-2D) numeri-cal model for intermediate streamflow conditions. Referring in turn to in-situ and remotely sensed water levels we calibrated the model comparing the results in terms of calibrated roughness coefficient. Our analysis points out that even if the accuracy of a single satellite measurement is not particularly high, a large re-motely sensed data-set can effectively describe the hydrometric regime in a given cross-section and can integrate field observations, improving the knowledge on the streamflow regime and enhancing the model calibration.
2015
Proceedings of XII IAEG Congress, ENGINEERING GEOLOGY FOR SOCIETY AND TERRITORY, VOL 3: RIVER BASINS, RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION AND WATER RESOURCES
603
606
Alessio Domeneghetti; Attilio Castellarin; Armando Brath
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/396034
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