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ADVANCING HYDROLOGICAL MODELLING IN LATVIA: THE METQ MODEL FROM PAST TO PRESENT
Abstract
Hydrological modelling has long been recognised as an essential tool for understanding and predicting water dynamics, particularly in regions where long-term observational data are limited. In Latvia, significant advancements have been made in the development of hydrological models, with the METQ model family becoming one of the most widely applied for the simulation of runoff and groundwater level regimes. Initially developed in the 1980s, METQ has been continuously refined to improve its predictive capabilities, resulting in the emergence of several versions, including METQ96, METQ98, METQ2005, METQ2006, METQ2007, and, most recently, METQUL2012. In this study, the historical evolution of METQ is examined, with particular attention given to methodological advancements, calibration techniques, and its application across various river basins in Latvia. The model has been successfully employed for both large (e.g., Daugava, Salaca) and small catchments, with daily meteorological data being utilised as input. Over time, key improvements have been introduced, including enhanced process representation, semi-automated calibration, and greater adaptability to diverse hydrological conditions. The importance of continuous model refinement in hydrological research is underscored, particularly in response to evolving climatic and hydrological conditions. The development of METQ is demonstrated to illustrate how conceptual models can be effectively adapted and enhanced to support hydrological forecasting and water resource management in Latvia and beyond.
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