Summary
This study used multi-parameterisation land surface modelling and Sobol' sensitivity analysis to determine how precipitation partitioning between evapotranspiration and runoff responds to key hydrological process parameterisations across the United States. The research reveals that sensitivities are context-dependent: humid regions show greater model sensitivity to evapotranspiration parameterisations despite runoff being the dominant flux, whilst arid regions show greater sensitivity to runoff parameterisations despite evapotranspiration dominating. Seasonal dynamics add complexity, with winter runoff remaining influenced by growing-season stomatal conductance through terrestrial water storage memory, suggesting that accurate regional hydrological prediction requires climate-specific and season-specific parameterisation strategies.
UK applicability
The findings are relevant to UK hydrological and land surface modelling, particularly for temperate maritime regions that exhibit seasonal variability and complex water partitioning. However, direct application would require regional calibration and sensitivity analysis tailored to UK climatic conditions, soil types, and vegetation characteristics.
Key measures
Sobol' total sensitivity index applied to annual and seasonal means of evapotranspiration (ET) and runoff (R); sensitivities to stomatal conductance, β-factor (soil moisture limitation), turbulence, and runoff generation parameterisations
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the sensitivity of evapotranspiration and runoff partitioning to parameterisations of stomatal conductance, soil moisture limitation, turbulence, and runoff generation using 48 configurations of the Noah-MP land surface model across the conterminous United States. Results demonstrated that sensitivity patterns vary by climate zone and season, with humid regions showing greater sensitivity to evapotranspiration parameterisations and arid regions to runoff parameterisations.
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