Hydrologic model parameter estimation in ungauged basins using simulated SWOT discharge observations

For an expected SWOT measurement error of 35%, parameter estimation is successful for 50% (90%) of sub-basins using single- (multi-) point parameter selection. Decreasing observation frequency to simulate lower latitudes resulted in success for only 10% of midlatitude and tropical sub-basins for single-point selection, whereas multi-point selection was successful in 80% (60%) of midlatitude (tropical) sub-basins. Single-point parameter selection is more sensitive to measurement error than multi-point parameter selection.

The results strongly support the use of multi-point over single-point parameter selection, yielding robust results nearly independent of observation frequency. Most importantly, this study suggests SWOT can be used to successfully select hydrologic model parameters in basins without an in situ gauge network.