Uncertainty Quantification of Deep Learning–Based Statistical Downscaling of Climatic Parameters

Abstract This study investigated the uncertainty involved in statistical downscaling of hydroclimatic time series obtained by artificial neural networks (ANNs). Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) general circulation model (GCM) Canadian Earth System Model, version 5 (CanESM5), was used as large-scale predictor data for downscaling temperature and precipitation parameters. Two ANNs, feed forward and long short-term memory (LSTM), were utilized for statistical downscaling. To quantify the uncertainty of downscaling, prediction intervals (PIs) were estimated via the lower upper bound estimation (LUBE) method. To assess performance of proposed models in different climate regimes, data from the Tabriz and Rasht stations in Iran were employed. The calibrated models via historical GCM data were used for future projections via the high-forcing and fossil fuel–driven development scenario shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) 5-8.5. Projections were compared with the Canadian Regional Climate Model 4 (Can-RCM4) projections via the same scenario. Results indicated that both LSTM-based point predictions and PIs are more accurate than the feedforward neural network (FFNN)-based predictions, with an average of 55% higher Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) for point predictions and 25% lower coverage width criterion (CWC) for PIs. Projections suggested that Tabriz is going to experience a warmer climate with an increase in average temperature of 2° and 5°C for near and far futures, respectively, and a drier climate with a 20% decrease in precipitation until 2100. Future projections for the Rasht station, however, suggested a more uniform climate with less seasonal variability. Average precipitation will increase by up to 25% and 70% until near and far future periods, respectively. Ultimately, point predictions show that the average temperature in Rasht will increase by 1°C until the near future and then be a constant average temperature until the far future. Significance Statement The downscaling of hydroclimatic parameters is subject to uncertainty. The best way is to provide an area with the highest contingency of them as a prediction interval. The reduction width of such an interval leads to increased confidence in explaining and predicting these processes. We proposed and applied a deep learning–based machine learning method for both point prediction and prediction interval estimation of temperature and precipitation parameters for the future over two different climatic regions. The results show the superiority of such a machine learning–based prediction interval estimation for quantification of the downscaling uncertainty.