Evaluating performance of MIKE 11 NAM model for runoff modeling on upper basin of Orontes River in Syria

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the performance of MIKE 11 NAM model for runoff modeling in case of lack of data as a case study on the upper basin of the Orontes River in Syria. In this study, MIKE 11 NAM was relied on as one of the most important hydrological analysis and modeling models. At first, the data used was processed, and the gaps in the time series were filled; then, the data was entered into the model, and the trial-and-error method was used to adopt the model parameters that give the best results. By comparing the results with the measured real values of the flow, it was found that there are large errors and unreliability of the model, which is due to the lack and unreliability of the available data, and this is consistent with the results of other studies conducted in similar cases using the same model. Therefore, this study recommends expanding the possibility of using Mike's model and other models for hydrological analysis and modeling, especially in case of lack of data, because of this great importance in the preparation of hydrological studies, water balance studies, and sustainable development of water resources in the studied area.