Optimising U-Net models for large-scale rainfall-runoff modelling

Background High-resolution flood simulations are critical for risk management, yet conventional numerical solvers remain computationally prohibitive for real-time applications.Methods We propose a deep learning-based super-resolution framework that couples the TRITON hydraulic simulator with a U-Net architecture. The model is trained on paired constant-rainfall simulations using coarse depth maps and fine topography. Sensitivity analyses are conducted on topographic feature selection and domain decomposition strategies to optimize performance.Results Despite being trained on constant-rainfall scenarios, the U-Net model successfully generalizes to realistic, time-varying rainfall events while preserving high-resolution details.

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Publication Details

Journal
Digital Water
Published
2026-08-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/28375807.2026.2724255
Primary Topic
Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Optimising U-Net models for large-scale rainfall-runoff modelling

Mario Morales‐Hernández, Pilar García‐Navarro, Juan Manuel Pérez García de Carellán
Digital Water
Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies
article

Optimising U-Net models for large-scale rainfall-runoff modelling

Mario Morales‐Hernández, Pilar García‐Navarro, Juan Manuel Pérez García de Carellán
article en

Abstract

Background High-resolution flood simulations are critical for risk management, yet conventional numerical solvers remain computationally prohibitive for real-time applications.Methods We propose a deep learning-based super-resolution framework that couples the TRITON hydraulic simulator with a U-Net architecture. The model is trained on paired constant-rainfall simulations using coarse depth maps and fine topography. Sensitivity analyses are conducted on topographic feature selection and domain decomposition strategies to optimize performance.Results Despite being trained on constant-rainfall scenarios, the U-Net model successfully generalizes to realistic, time-varying rainfall events while preserving high-resolution details.

Digital WaterVol. 4(1)
Universidad de Zaragoza (ES)
Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Universidad de Zaragoza, Gobierno de Aragón, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 20%
Hydrology and Watershed Management Studies
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