GIS preprocessing for rainfall-runoff modeling using HEC-HMS in Nekkor watershed (Al-Hoceima, Northern Morocco)

¹ Research Team : Water and Environment Management, Laboratory of Applied Sciences (LSA), National School of Applied Sciences Al Hoceima, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 93030 Tetouan, Morocco.
² Faculty of Geology, University of Barcelona, Marti I Franques, S/N, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
³ Moulay Ismaïl University of Meknes, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Applied Geology Research Laboratory. Applied Geology and Remote Sensing Research Team, B.P:509, Boutalamine 52000, Errachidia, Morocco.
⁴ Research team: Biology, Environment and Health, Department of Biology, Errachidia Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Moulay Ismaïl, 50000 Meknes, Morocco.
⁵ OLMAN BPGE Laboratory, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, Mohamed First University, 60000 Oujda, Morocco.
⁶ Research Team: Water Sciences and Environment Engineering, Laboratory of geological engineering, Department of geology, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University, 50000 Meknes, Morocco.
⁷ Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency, 93000 Tetouan, Morocco.
⁸ Materials, Membranes and Processes of Separation, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismaïl University, Zitoune PB, Meknes 11201, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: yassine.elyousfi@etu.uae.ac.ma

Abstract

All Discharge data are among the most critical factors that must be considered when evaluating the management of water resources in a watershed. Simulation of rainfall-runoff is therefore an important element in assessing the impacts of serious flooding. In the present study, rainfall-runoff in the Nekkor watershed in Al Hoceima province was simulated using GIS, remote sensing and the Hydrologic Engineering Center Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) model. The applicability, capacity and suitability of this model for rainfall runoff in the watershed were examined. The watershed parameters were generated using (HEC-GeoHMS) and ArcGIS. The model was calibrated using a daily data set that occurred in the watershed between 2003 and 2007, the validation period was from 2009 to 2012. Model performance was evaluated using a variety of different statistical indices to study the response and impact of rainfall-runoff. Model parameters were changed and calibration was performed using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number loss method. Consistent and satisfactory performance in terms of peak discharge, total flood volume, timing of peak discharge and overall hydrograph adjustment effect was found. The determination coefficient (R²) for the validation period reached 0.73 versus 0.71 for the calibration period. The root mean square error (RMSE) is within the acceptable range. The relative bias (RE) demonstrates an overestimation in the calibration period and an underestimation in the validation period in the peak flows. These results will help decision makers to better manage water resources in this watershed and mitigate flood risks.