Replacing Catchment Timescale (Tc) in the rainfall-runoff model based on the linear reservoir equation with Catchment Response Time Obtained via Detrending Moving Cross-Correlation Analysis (DMCA) Method

The accurate estimation of catchment response time is crucial for understanding hydrological processes and making informed water resource management decisions. In the rainfall-runoff model with linear reservoir equation, the time parameter, Tc, represents the time delay of catchment routing. Recent studies have shown that the Detrending Moving Cross-Correlation Analysis (DMCA) method can provide a more practical and direct determination of catchment response time, surpassing the limitations of the linear reservoir model.

This study aims to investigate whether the catchment response time obtained through the DMCA method can be effectively utilized as a replacement for the catchment timescale in the rainfall-runoff model with linear reservoir equation. The DMCA method is employed to analyze hydrological time series data from the CAMELS GB (Catchment Attributes and Meteorology for Large-sample Studies in Great Britain) hourly time series data. The calculated catchment response times are then compared with the catchment timescales estimated using the linear reservoir equation.

Our results indicate that the catchment response time derived from the DMCA method exhibits a closer correspondence with the catchment timescale estimated by the linear reservoir equation.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of replacing the catchment timescales in the rainfall-runoff model with linear reservoir equation with catchment response times obtained through the DMCA method. This substitution leads to more robust and accurate hydrological modeling, particularly in ungauged catchments or catchments with limited timeseries data.. The research findings indicate that the DMCA method offers a valuable tool for hydrologists and water resource managers seeking to enhance their understanding and management of catchment dynamics. However, further research is warranted to explore its application across catchments from different regions.