Predicting catchment flow in a semi-arid region via an artificial neural network technique

A model of rainfall-runoff relationships is an essential tool in the process of evaluation of water resources projects. In this paper, we applied an artificial neural network (ANN) based model for flow prediction using the data for a catchment in a semi-arid region in Morocco. Use of this method for non-linear modelling has been demonstrated in several scientific fields such as biology, geology, chemistry and physics. The performance of the developed neural network-based model was compared against multiple linear regression-based model using the same observed data. It was found that the neural network model consistently gives superior predictions. Based on the results of this study, artificial neural network modelling appears to be a promising technique for the prediction of flow for catchments in semi-arid regions. Accordingly, the neural network method can be applied to various hydrological systems where other models may be inappropriate. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.