Journal of Hydro-environment Research最新文献

This study presents three different models, namely power-law rating curve, one-dimensional lateral distribution method (1D–LDM), and gated recurrent network (GRU) model that can be applied to evaluate water discharge from water surface elevation time-series in a river cross-section for a long time period. A river section at Vinh Tuy location on the Lo river basin (Vietnam) is used to demonstrate the models. Appropriate values of modelling parameters are carefully determined using (i) the daily observed discharge values collected in the period from 2012 to 2018 and (ii) five error estimates for quantitatively assessing the agreement between estimated and observed water discharges. The results showed that all three models reproduced very well the observed discharge values, with root mean square error and mean absolute error, as well as mean error of discharge, are only about 5.5% of the maximum value of discharge monitoring in the studied cross-section, while Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency and Pearson’s correlation coefficient are greater than 0.89. The models are then applied to evaluate discharge values in the studied cross-section for the period from 1972 to 2011, revealing that statistical indicators, i.e. mean value, standard derivation, and covariance of estimated water discharge, are consistent with those obtained from the observations. Among three investigated models, the GRU model was finally proved to be the best one, providing even better results than the 1D-LDM and power-law rating curve.

In this study, multi-tracker optimization algorithm (MTOA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and differential evolution (DE) algorithms were integrated with support vector regression (SVR) to predict energy dissipation downstream of labyrinth weirs (ΔE). In order to evaluate the performance of these methods, the results are compared with corresponding outcome obtained by applying two other methods, namely, multilayer perceptron neural network (MLPNN) and multiple linear regressions methods (MLR). The input parameters comprise the discharge, the upstream flow depth, the crest length of a single cycle of the labyrinth weir, the width of a single cycle of the labyrinth weir, the apex width, the number of labyrinth weir cycles, the sidewall angle, and the height of weir. The results indicate that the meta-heuristic algorithms substantially improve the performance of SVR. The results show that the integrative methods, SVR-MTOA, SVR-PSO, and SVR-DE, are more accurate than the MLPNN and the MLR. In average, the integrative methods provide 39.63% more accurate results than the MLPNN and 79.34% more accurate results than the MLR. The average RMSE and R² for the integrative methods are 0.0054 m and 0.977, respectively. Among all integrative methods, the SVR-MTOA yields the best results, with RMSE = 0.0044 m and R² = 0.986.

Climate change, besides global warming, is expected to intensify the hydrological cycle, which can impact watershed nutrient yields and affect water quality in the receiving water bodies. The Mahabad Dam Reservoir in northwest Iran is a eutrophic reservoir due to excessive watershed nutrient input, which could be exacerbated due to climate change. In this regard, a holistic approach was employed by linking a climate model (CanESM2), watershed-scale model (SWAT), and reservoir water quality model (CE-QUAL-W2). The triple model investigates the cumulative climate change effects on hydrological parameters, watershed yields, and the reservoir’s water quality. The SDSM model downscaled the output of the climate model under moderate (RCP4.5) and extreme (RCP8.5) scenarios for the periods of 2021–2040 and 2041–2060. The impact of future climate conditions was investigated on the watershed runoff and total phosphorus (TP) load, and consequently, water quality status in the dam’s reservoir. The results of comparing future conditions (2021–2060) with observed present values under moderate to extreme climate scenarios showed a 4–7% temperature increase and a 6–11% precipitation decrease. Moreover, the SWAT model showed a 9–16% decline in streamflow and a 12–18% decline in the watershed TP load for the same comparative period. Finally, CE-QUAL-W2 model results showed a 3–8% increase in the reservoir water temperature and a 10–16% increase in TP concentration. It indicates that climate change would intensify the thermal stratification and eutrophication level in the reservoir, especially during the year’s warm months. This finding specifies an alarming condition that demands serious preventive and corrective measures.

Piano Key Weir (PKW) is a special type of overflow weir which provides an improved discharge capacity with its increased crest length. Increased discharge capacity makes this weir an attractive alternative in the rehabilitation of existing spillways. After the introduction of this new weir type, many experimental and numerical studies are conducted to understand the effect of the numerous geometrical parameters on the discharge capacity. However, empirical discharge formulas suggested by different researchers are not conforming to a unique expression mostly due to dependence on the experimental conditions from which they are derived. A numerical approach is used in the present study to investigate the dependence of discharge capacity of a PKW unit on several geometric parameters. Numerical models are developed and three-dimensional velocity fields are computed using FLOW-3D® software. Discharge efficiency of a PKW over an equivalent linear sharp-crested weir is evaluated within the practical range of parameters from 145 numerical solutions for 29 different PKW models. Numerically obtained data is used to form dimensionless expressions for the weir height and length as function of discharge efficiency which are proposed to facilitate an iterative numerical solution to meet the design requirements of a given project. This approach allows cost optimization while dimensioning the PKW for the required hydraulic capacity. The design procedure based on iterative numerical solutions is described and exemplified.

An analytical power-law for velocity distribution is developed and validated using experimental results for rough, narrow open-channel flows. In addition, an empirical power-law for the mean velocity distribution is also proposed. To this end, experiments were conducted to investigate the turbulence characteristics in developing and fully developed narrow open-channel flows over a fixed continuous rough bed. Instantaneous 3-D velocities were acquired using a Nortek VectrinoPlus down looking acoustic Doppler velocimeter at streamwise intervals of 0.5 m along the centerline of the flume. Using the experimental data, shape factors and frictional characteristics in narrow open-channel flow were analysed. In addition, this paper investigated changes in the turbulence anisotropy and the decay of turbulence along the mid-depth of the hydraulically rough flow. The new analytical power-law equation developed in this paper accurately describes the fully developed velocity profile in narrow open-channel flow with the dip phenomenon. Reynolds number and aspect ratio significantly influenced the turbulence characteristics in the upper half of the flow field. The decreasing turbulence intensities at mid-depth along the flow developing region demonstrate the attainment of isotropic turbulence as the flow development occurs in the narrow open-channel.

Laboratory experiments were carried out to study the behavior of turbidity current under subcritical approach flow condition. In order to study the effects of solid obstacle and bed roughness on turbidity current, 24 experiments were conducted. Two trapezoidal macro-roughness elements with 0.01 m and 0.03 m height and three triangular obstacles with 0.1 m to 0.3 m height were used. The parameters such as front velocity, velocity profiles, body height, flow discharge, suspended load transport rate and efficiency of the obstacle were determined. It was found that under subcritical flow regime, the main portion of the turbidity current over the rough bed is controlled, if the obstacle height is 2–3 times of the body height. The growth of the front height depends on the inlet sediment concentration, the roughness elements and the obstacle height. The front velocity upstream of the obstacle over the smooth bed is independent of the obstacle height and significantly influenced by roughness elements. Simultaneous use of the bed roughness and obstacle significantly reduces the front velocity downstream of the obstacle. The flow discharge per unit width significantly decreases downstream of the obstacle. Simultaneous use of an obstacle and roughness elements decreases the flow discharge per unit width by about 90%. An obstacle with height equal to 0.75 of the initial height of the turbidity current with the smooth bed blocks about 65% of the suspended sediment. While, simultaneous use of the obstacle and the roughness elements blocks about 95% of the suspended sediment.

Floods are among the devastating natural disasters that occurred very frequently in arid regions during the last decades. Accurate assessment of the flood susceptibility mapping is crucial in sustainable development. It helps respective authorities to prevent as much as possible their irreversible consequences. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) spatial resolution is one of the most crucial base layer factors for modeling Flood Probability Maps (FPMs). Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the influence of the spatial resolution of the DEMs 12.5 m (ALOS PALSAR) and 30 m (ASTER) on the accuracy of flood probability prediction using three machine learning models (MLMs), including Random Forest (RF), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Generalized Linear Model (GLM). This study selected 14 causative factors in the flood as independent variables, and 220 flood locations were selected as dependent variables. Dependent variables were divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) for flood susceptibility modeling. The Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC), Kappa index, accuracy, and other statistical criteria were used to evaluate the models' accuracy. The results showed that resolving the DEM alone cannot significantly affect the accuracy of flood probability prediction regardless of the applied MLM and independently of the statistical model used to assess the performance accuracy. In contrast, the factors such as altitude, precipitation, and distance from the river have a considerable impact on floods in this region. Also, the evaluation results of the models showed that the RF (AUC_12.5,30m = 0.983, 0.975) model is more accurate in preparing the FPM than the ANN (AUC_12.5,30m = 0.949, 0.93) and GLM (AUC_12.5,30m = 0.965, 0.949) models. This study's solution-oriented findings might help water managers and decision-makers to make the most effective adaptation and mitigation measures against potential flooding.

The horizontal eddy viscosity (ε) and bottom friction coefficient (K_br) are important hydrodynamic parameters in the computation of flow fields that dictate the morphodynamics. The effect of the variations in ε and K_br as well as their combination on the prediction of hydrodynamics and morphodynamics in the Cochin harbor and adjoining nearshore area (9.9312° N, 76.2673° E) has been investigated in detail. A tidal circulation model to solve the shallow water equation is applied with the different parameterizations of ε and K_br. In order to understand its effect, ε is expressed as a function of depth averaged velocity and length scale of computation mesh, whereas K_br is expressed as a function of depth. The validation of the model is carried out with the measured currents. The improvement in the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic predictions is demonstrated by implementing the spatially and temporally varying ε The predictions are further improved by implementing a spatially varying K_br. It is seen that the simulations with varying ε and K_br predict the morphodynamic behavior close to the field values. The performance of the model predictions is discussed in terms of R², RMSE and BSS (Brier Skill Score).

Scroll vortex intakes are hydraulic structures commonly used in water supply, drainage and sewerage systems. Water flows into the intake via an eccentric approach channel and a vortex chamber imparts swirl to the flow, leading to a stable air core vortex along the dropshaft. Although much effort has been devoted to investigate the scroll vortex flow, yet the understanding on its hydraulic characteristics is still far from complete due to a lack of detailed velocity field measurements. This paper presents the first comprehensive measurement of the three-dimensional (3D) flow field of a scroll vortex intake using non-intrusive Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA). A validated 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model with the Volume-Of-Fluid (VOF) method is developed for interpreting the measurement. It is found that the vortex flow in the scroll chamber resembles a free vortex and the circulation is approximately equal to that at the chamber inlet, with a thin bottom boundary layer. The vortex flow at the bellmouth outlet possesses a circulation constant smaller than that in the chamber, and its vertical velocity component is approximately constant across the flow thickness.

This study aims to analyze the environmental and economic impacts of land use change and water abstraction in the Zarrineh River basin, which is Lake Urmia’s main inflow source in the north-west of Iran. The Soil & Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used to model water quantity and quality in the basin. Environmental Kuznets Curves (EKC) are used to assess the relationship between environmental degradation and the development of the agricultural sector. Two scenarios were employed to identify the effects of dam construction and land use change on stream flow, evapotranspiration, groundwater recharge and nitrate loads in the area. The SWAT model showed a satisfactory to very good performance for monthly stream flow at most of the gauges in calibration and validation periods as well as a reasonable performance for nitrate loads. The estimated EKC indicates that the environmental degradation in the inverted U-shape that has passed its peak and the rate of degradation has decreased. Based on the scenarios, the dam has a strong impact on nitrate loads in the basin and water inflow into Lake Urmia. Results verify that human influences have had negative impacts on the Zarrineh River basin. In particular, the extensive development of the agricultural sector has not only drastically reduced the inflow of water to Lake Urmia accelerating the drying up of the lake, but it has also increased nitrate loads. Therefore, it can be recommended to take counter measures within the catchment area to improve the ecological status of Lake Urmia.