Assessing the Performance of SHETRAN Simulating a Geologically Complex Catchment

Despite recent progress in terms of cheap computing power, the application physically-based distributed (PBD) hydrological codes still remains limited, particularly, because some commercial-license are expensive, even under academic terms. Thus, there is a need for testing performance free-license PBD simulating complex catchments, so that and reliable mechanistic modelling alternatives might be identified. The hydrology geologically catchment (586 km2) was modelled using code SHETRAN. SHETRAN evaluation took place by comparing its predictions with (i) discharge piezometric time series observed at different locations within catchment, which were not taken into account during model calibration (i.e., multi-site test); (ii) from comparable code, MIKE SHE. In general, both comparable, encourages use systems.