Testing three rainfall interception models and different parameterization methods with data from an open Mediterranean pine forest

Various models have been developed to simulate rainfall interception by vegetation but their formulations and applications rely on a number of assumptions parameter estimation procedures. The aim this study is examine the effect different model derivation approaches performance Rutter, Gash Liu models. Rutter model, in contrast other two daily models, was applied both an hourly basis. Hourly data from meteorological station, one automatic 28 manual throughfall gauges semi-arid Pinus brutia forest (Cyprus) for period between 01/Jul/2016 31/May/2020 were used analysis. We conducted sensitivity analysis assessment parameters variables: canopy storage capacity (S), cover fraction (c), ratio mean wet evaporation rate (Ēc/R̄) potential (Eo). Three tested: widely regression method parameterization procedure optimization S c (with observed). parameterized run with compared long-term weekly (2008–2019). showed low Ēc/R̄. Test runs combinations S, Ēc/R̄ revealed strong equifinality. high calibration validation periods Kling–Gupta Efficiency (KGE) above 0.90. procedures resulted higher KGEs than method. losses computed application three ranged 18 20%. all capable capturing inherently variable process. However, representative time series measurements needed parameterize