Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria

Rainfall–runoff models are crucial tools for managing water resources. The absence of reliable rainfall data in many regions of the world is a major limitation for these models, notably in many African countries, although some recent global rainfall products can effectively monitor rainfall from spa...

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Main Authors: Rayane Bounab, Hamouda Boutaghane, Tayeb Boulmaiz, Yves Tramblay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Atmosphere
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/2/213
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author Rayane Bounab
Hamouda Boutaghane
Tayeb Boulmaiz
Yves Tramblay
author_facet Rayane Bounab
Hamouda Boutaghane
Tayeb Boulmaiz
Yves Tramblay
author_sort Rayane Bounab
collection DOAJ
description Rainfall–runoff models are crucial tools for managing water resources. The absence of reliable rainfall data in many regions of the world is a major limitation for these models, notably in many African countries, although some recent global rainfall products can effectively monitor rainfall from space. In Algeria, to identify a relevant modeling approach using this new source of rainfall information, the present research aims to (i) compare a conceptual model (GR4J) and seven machine learning algorithms (FFNN, ELM, LSTM, LSTM2, GRU, SVM, and GPR) and (ii) compare different types of precipitation inputs, including four satellite products (CHIRPS, SM2RAIN, GPM, and PERSIANN), one reanalysis product (ERA5), and observed precipitation, to assess which combination of models and precipitation data provides the optimal performance for river discharge simulation. The results show that the ELM, FFNN, and LSTM algorithms give the best performance (NSE > 0.6) for river runoff simulation and provide reliable alternatives compared to a conceptual hydrological model. The SM2RAIN-ASCAT and ERA5 rainfall products are as efficient as observed precipitation in this data-scarce context. Consequently, this work is the first step towards the implementation of these tools for the operational monitoring of surface water resources in Algeria.
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spelling doaj-art-cd2d0a365fe24c7f9155c5fdd31f86372025-08-20T03:12:01ZengMDPI AGAtmosphere2073-44332025-02-0116221310.3390/atmos16020213Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in AlgeriaRayane Bounab0Hamouda Boutaghane1Tayeb Boulmaiz2Yves Tramblay3Laboratory of Soils and Hydraulic, Badji Mokhtar Annaba University Annaba, Annaba 23000, AlgeriaLaboratory of Soils and Hydraulic, Badji Mokhtar Annaba University Annaba, Annaba 23000, AlgeriaMaterials, Energy Systems Technology and Environment Laboratory, Ghardaia University, Ghardaia 47000, AlgeriaEspace-Dev (University Montpellier, IRD), 34000 Montpellier, FranceRainfall–runoff models are crucial tools for managing water resources. The absence of reliable rainfall data in many regions of the world is a major limitation for these models, notably in many African countries, although some recent global rainfall products can effectively monitor rainfall from space. In Algeria, to identify a relevant modeling approach using this new source of rainfall information, the present research aims to (i) compare a conceptual model (GR4J) and seven machine learning algorithms (FFNN, ELM, LSTM, LSTM2, GRU, SVM, and GPR) and (ii) compare different types of precipitation inputs, including four satellite products (CHIRPS, SM2RAIN, GPM, and PERSIANN), one reanalysis product (ERA5), and observed precipitation, to assess which combination of models and precipitation data provides the optimal performance for river discharge simulation. The results show that the ELM, FFNN, and LSTM algorithms give the best performance (NSE > 0.6) for river runoff simulation and provide reliable alternatives compared to a conceptual hydrological model. The SM2RAIN-ASCAT and ERA5 rainfall products are as efficient as observed precipitation in this data-scarce context. Consequently, this work is the first step towards the implementation of these tools for the operational monitoring of surface water resources in Algeria.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/2/213Algeriamachine learninghydrologic modelsrainfall–runoff simulationsatellite rainfall
spellingShingle Rayane Bounab
Hamouda Boutaghane
Tayeb Boulmaiz
Yves Tramblay
Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria
Atmosphere
Algeria
machine learning
hydrologic models
rainfall–runoff simulation
satellite rainfall
title Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria
title_full Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria
title_fullStr Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria
title_full_unstemmed Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria
title_short Comparison of Machine Learning Algorithms for Daily Runoff Forecasting with Global Rainfall Products in Algeria
title_sort comparison of machine learning algorithms for daily runoff forecasting with global rainfall products in algeria
topic Algeria
machine learning
hydrologic models
rainfall–runoff simulation
satellite rainfall
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/16/2/213
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AT hamoudaboutaghane comparisonofmachinelearningalgorithmsfordailyrunoffforecastingwithglobalrainfallproductsinalgeria
AT tayebboulmaiz comparisonofmachinelearningalgorithmsfordailyrunoffforecastingwithglobalrainfallproductsinalgeria
AT yvestramblay comparisonofmachinelearningalgorithmsfordailyrunoffforecastingwithglobalrainfallproductsinalgeria