Improving the predictions of a MIKE SHE catchment-scale application by using a multi-criteria approach

This paper suggests a multi-criteria protocol for appropriately evaluating the predictions of hydrologic models during calibration and evaluation stages. The protocol includes different statistical, analytical and visual criteria such as analysis of peak and low flows, cumulative volumes, extreme value statistics, performance statistics, etc. Furthermore, the protocol assesses the physical consistency of model predictions by filtering the total observed hydrograph into different flow-components (baseflow, interflow and overland flow) and using these filtered data in the calibration and evaluation processes. Based on the distributed modelling of a medium size catchment, it is shown that application of the suggested protocol, and in particular the use of the filtered flow-components in model calibration, enhances the physical consistency of model predictions, adding considerable value to the calibration process. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.