Effects of data time-step on the accuracy of calibrated rainfall–streamflow model parameters: practical aspects of uncertainty reduction

The effects of data time-step on the accuracy of calibrated parameters in a discrete-time conceptual rainfall–streamflow model are reviewed and further investigated. A quick-flow decay time constant of 19.9 hr, calibrated for the 10.6 km² Wye at Cefn Brwyn using daily data, massively overestimates a reference value of 3.76 hr calibrated using hourly data (an inaccuracy of 16.1 hr or 429%). About 42 and 58% of the inaccuracy are accounted for by loss of information in the effective rainfall and streamflow data, respectively. A slow-flow decay time constant is inaccurate by about +111%, of which about 94 and 17 percentage points (85 and 15% of the absolute inaccuracy) are due to loss of information in the effective rainfall and streamflow data, respectively. Discrete-time rainfall–streamflow model parameter inaccuracy caused by data time-step effects is discussed in terms of its implications for parameter regionalisation (including database aspects) and catchment-scale process studies.