Process-oriented catchment modeling a the meso-scale
The conceptual catchment model TACD (tracer aided catchment model, distributed) was developed
to carry out process-oriented modeling at meso-scale catchment (approximately 101-103 km2).
The model was originally developed for the Dreisam catchment including its different sized sub-basins,
but was applied recently to a range of basins located in Germany, Austria and the Pacific-Northwest
of the United States. The model is a raster-based modular modeling system and was applied in
different temporal and spatial resolutions, i.e. using time steps between 5-min and one months and
grid sizes between 20x20 m2 and 2000x2000 m2. The modeling results were quite good; in particular
the ability of the model to simulated internal stages correctly was demonstrated. Successfully was
also the integration of tracer data into the model calibration and validation, which led to an improved
process basis of the modeling. Dr. Stefan Uhlenbrook was awarded with the Tison Award, which is
the international prize for young hydrologist (age under 41) from the International Association of
Hydrological Science (IAHS), for a paper about the previous version of the model TAC.

Key publications:

  • Uhlenbrook S., Leibundgut Ch., 2002: Process-oriented catchment modeling and multiple-response
    validation. Hydrological Processes, 16, 423-440.

  • Uhlenbrook S., Roser S., Tilch N. 2004: Development of a distributed, but conceptual catchment
    model to represent hydrological processes adequately a the meso scale. Journal of Hydrology, in press.
zum IHF