Application of the distributed J2000-S hydrologic model: A case study drainage basin of Akarsu

The objective of this study was to determine the hydrological water budget components of an agricultural drainage basin with well defined-boundaries, through using J2000-S, distributed hydrologic water-mass transfer model. The study was conducted in the Akarsu Water User Association command area (9495 ha), located in the Lower Seyhan Plain. Data required by the model were obtained from field observations based on the hydrological year and compilation of the archived data available. Water budget components were determined based on the law of conservation of mass and the basic hydrological water balance equation. Calibration and validation of the model were done by using data observed in 2006-2011, and 2012-2015, respectively. Based on model performance statistics, it was concluded that model was able to simulate drainage flows in the range of acceptable limits. "What-if" scenarios were developed, regarding either rainfall or irrigation water deficiency, and both of the two. Based on the scenarios, the likely changes in the drainage flows and actual evapotranspiration amounts were tried to estimate by using the calibrated model. It was concluded that water budget elements of the basin could be estimated by using the J2000-S model, that hydrological response of the catchment to the management scenarios might be estimated in advance. Application of the model to the similar basins was suggested based on the results.