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User-focused evaluation of National Ecological Observatory Network streamflow estimates
Spencer Rhea1, Nicholas Gubbins2, Amanda G DelVecchia3,4
1Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705, USA. spencer.rhea@duke.edu.
Scientific Data
|February 11, 2023
Summary
The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) provides stream discharge data, but only 39% of its estimates met the highest quality criteria. Fifty percent of the data were classified as unreliable, highlighting the need for careful data selection in hydrologic analyses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Hydrology
- Ecology
Background:
- Accurate stream discharge estimation is vital for ecological, biogeochemical, and hydrologic studies.
- The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) offers continuous discharge estimates from 28 US streams.
- NEON uses a Bayesian framework with hydraulic controls and manual measurements to create discharge rating curves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reliability of NEON's continuous stream discharge estimates.
- To assess the accuracy of predicted discharge and stage data.
- To quantify the extent of extrapolation in NEON's discharge predictions.
Main Methods:
- Compared NEON's predicted discharge to observed discharge data.
- Compared NEON's predicted stage to observed stage data.
- Calculated the proportion of discharge estimates extrapolated beyond the range of field measurements.
Main Results:
- Out of 1,523 site-months of NEON data, 39% met the highest quality standards.
- 11% of the data were classified as intermediate quality.
- 50% of the site-months were deemed unreliable for use in analyses.
Conclusions:
- NEON discharge estimates show variable reliability, with a significant portion requiring careful user evaluation.
- Diagnostic metrics and categorical evaluations are provided to help users identify suitable data.
- Users must critically assess NEON data quality for their specific hydrologic and ecological research needs.
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