Simulation of flow in the Capim River (PA) using the SWAT Model

Abstract

Flow in the Capim River watershed, located in the state of Pará, Brazil, was estimated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in order to determine its use efficiency. The meteorological data (from 2000 to 2010) were collected from an automatic station located in the municipality of Paragominas. The pluviometric and fluviometric data are available at the National Water Agency (ANA) website. Overall results show Efficiency Coefficient (Eff) values of 0.65 (for sub-basin 5) and 0.87 for the entire investigated period. The results also show a reduction in Eff estimation error, which started from over-estimation of 219.18% and declined to underestimation of 18% (in sub-basin 5). In summary, validation of the SWAT model was successful after adjusting the sensors during the calibration phase. Thereby, this model can be used in other studies evaluating river basins.