Assessment of Hydrological Response and Parameter Sensitivity in the Jonk Sub-Basin Using SWAT-CUP

Abstract

This study assesses the hydrological response of the Jonk sub-basin using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) integrated with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The model was developed using spatial inputs such as Digital Elevation Model (DEM), land use/land cover, and soil data, along with climatic parameters including precipitation and temperature, while SWAT-CUP was employed for calibration, validation, and sensitivity analysis. The model exhibited satisfactory performance, with calibration results showing good agreement between observed and simulated streamflow (R² = 0.83, NSE = 0.82) and validation results (R² = 0.84, NSE = 0.88), indicating reliable predictive capability. Sensitivity analysis revealed that HRU_SLP.hru, GWQMN.gw, and OV_N.hru are the most influential parameters governing runoff, emphasizing the role of slope, groundwater threshold, and surface characteristics. SWAT-CUP is an effective tool for hydrological model calibration, validation, and uncertainty analysis, enhancing simulation accuracy and supporting sustainable watershed management and water resource planning.