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  4. Modeling spatial and temporal streamflow dynamics in a highmountain catchment using the SWAT-GL model
 
conference presentation

Modeling spatial and temporal streamflow dynamics in a highmountain catchment using the SWAT-GL model

Llanos Paez, Oriana Lucia  
•
Deluigi, Nicola  
•
Hou, Jingyi  orcid-logo
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March 18, 2025
EGU General Assembly 2025

In glacierized high mountain catchments, streamflow generation is strongly influenced by snow and glacier melt, processes especially sensitive to rising temperatures and ongoing climate change. These vulnerabilities make mountain headwater catchments a research priority; However, limited observational data and complex glacier-snow interactions often challenge conventional hydrological modeling in high-mountainous areas. Although several models have been developed to simulate streamflow dynamics in glacierized settings, many either lack comprehensive glacier representations or oversimplify them, failing to incorporate critical processes such as glacier evolution over time (e.g., glacier retreat).To address these limitations, we employed the recently developed SWAT-GL model, which integrates a mass balance module and a glacier evolution parameterization to more accurately track changes in glacier volume and extent. Using a degree-day approach and ∆h-parameterization for glacier adjustment, SWAT-GL provides a robust framework for simulating spatiotemporal streamflow dynamics in glacierized catchments.We applied SWAT-GL to the Valsorey catchment in the canton of Valais, Western Swiss Alps, calibrating the model with in-situ meteorological and streamflow data collected over the past decade. Our analyses revealed pronounced interannual variability in flow intermittency between climatically contrasting years, underscoring the distinct influences of glacier-fed and non-glacier-fed sub-catchments on overall runoff patterns. In particular, we identified notable differences in no-flow occurrences and seasonal streamflow recessions. Glacier-fed streams exhibited prolonged baseflow during warmer periods, while non-glacier-fed streams experienced an earlier onset and more frequent episodes of low or no-flow conditions.Ongoing work applies future climate change scenarios to explore how continued glacier retreat will reshape these flow regimes and flow intermittency patterns. These findings will provide valuable insights into the resilience and adaptability of alpine hydrological systems.

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Type
conference presentation
DOI
10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6577
Author(s)
Llanos Paez, Oriana Lucia  

EPFL

Deluigi, Nicola  

EPFL

Hou, Jingyi  orcid-logo

EPFL

Battin, Tom Ian  

EPFL

Date Issued

2025-03-18

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
RIVER  
Event nameEvent acronymEvent placeEvent date
EGU General Assembly 2025

EGU

Vienna, Austria

2025-04-27 - 2025-05-02

FunderFunding(s)Grant NumberGrant URL

Swiss National Science Foundation

Organic carbon metabolism in high-mountain stream networks C-NET_2

215407

https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/215407
Available on Infoscience
March 27, 2026
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/262034
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