Climate change impacts on the Chiffa basin (northern Algeria) using bias-corrected RCM data

IntroductionThis study aims to assess the efficacy of Quantile mapping (QM) and Delta change (DC) bias correction methods to improve hydrological simulations of the Chiffa basin in northern Algeria. The main issue addressed is the need for corrected climate data to provide reliable hydrological projections in semi-arid climates.MethodsHydrological simulations were conducted using the GR2M conceptual rainfall-runoff model, recognized for its robustness in Mediterranean climates. This model was coupled with precipitation simulations from the Rossby Centre regional atmospheric model RCA4 of the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (Cordex-Africa) forced by two global circulation models (MPI-ESM-LR and CRNM-CM5). Hydrological projections were produced for the future period 20702099 under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, comparing raw and bias-corrected data.Results and discussionThe findings indicate that raw precipitation data are inadequate for reflecting future rainfall trends and simulating future flows. Bias correction methods significantly improved the models performance, with the coefficient of determination (R2) increasing from 0.440.53 to 0.830.97. Additionally, regional climate models project a 5 to 8% decrease in annual flows by the end of the 21st century under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. These results highlight the importance of bias correction methods for hydrological impact studies, and we recommend implementing specific adaptation measures, such as improved irrigation efficiency, development of water storage infrastructure, and adoption of drought-resistant agricultural practices. Future research should focus on employing multivariate bias correction methods, utilizing higher-resolution climate data (≤10 km), and implementing ensemble modeling approaches to better characterize uncertainties.