Article (Scientific journals)
Does the Budyko curve reflect a maximum power state of hydrological systems? A backward analysis
Westhoff, Martijn; Zehe, Erwin; Archambeau, Pierre et al.
2016In Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 20, p. 479-486
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Abstract :
[en] Almost all catchments plot within a small envelope around the Budyko curve. This apparent behaviour suggests that organizing principles may play a role in the evolution of catchments. In this paper we applied the thermodynamic principle of maximum power as the organizing principle. In a top-down approach we derived mathematical formulations of the relation between relative wetness and gradients driving runoff and evaporation for a simple one-box model. We did this in an inverse manner such that when the conductances are optimized with the maximum power principle, the steady state behaviour of the model leads exactly to a point on the asymptotes of the Budyko curve. Subsequently, we added dynamics in forcing and actual evaporations, causing the Budyko curve to deviate from the asymptotes. Despite the simplicity of the model, catchment observations compare reasonably well with the Budyko curves subject to observed dynamics in rainfall and actual evaporation. Thus by constraining the model with the asymptotes of the Budyko curve we were able to derive more realistic values of the aridity and evaporation index without any calibration parameter. Future work should focus on better representing the boundary conditions of real catchments and eventually adding more complexity to the model.
Disciplines :
Earth sciences & physical geography
Author, co-author :
Westhoff, Martijn ;  Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydraulics in Environmental and Civil Engineering
Zehe, Erwin;  Karlsruhe institute of Technology > Institute of Water and River Basin Management > Chair of Hydrology
Archambeau, Pierre  ;  Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > HECE (Hydraulics in Environnemental and Civil Engineering)
Dewals, Benjamin  ;  Université de Liège > Département ArGEnCo > Hydraulics in Environmental and Civil Engineering
Language :
English
Title :
Does the Budyko curve reflect a maximum power state of hydrological systems? A backward analysis
Publication date :
January 2016
Journal title :
Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
ISSN :
1027-5606
eISSN :
1607-7938
Publisher :
European Geosciences Union, Katlenburg-Lindau, Germany
Special issue title :
Catchment co-evolution: space–time patterns and functional controls
Volume :
20
Pages :
479-486
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Name of the research project :
MSCA-COFUND-BeIPD
Funders :
EU - European Commission
Available on ORBi :
since 18 February 2016

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