Topology-aware Conv1D–LSTM for Streamflow simulating: Integrating Hodge Laplacian Features with Deep Sequential Learning | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Topology-aware Conv1D–LSTM for Streamflow simulating: Integrating Hodge Laplacian Features with Deep Sequential Learning Hamid Ebrahimi This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7502495/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Reliable hydrological forecasting remains a central challenge in water resources management due to the nonlinear dynamics of rainfall–runoff processes and the complex spatial structure of river networks. While deep learning methods such as long short-term memory (LSTM) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have improved predictive capability by extracting sequential and local patterns, most existing models fail to explicitly account for the topological connectivity of catchments. To address this gap, novel hybrid framework that integrates Conv1D layers for local spatiotemporal feature extraction proposed, LSTM layers for long-term memory retention, and algebraic-topological descriptors derived from Hodge Laplacian decomposition to encode higher-order graph-based connectivity of the river network. The model was evaluated using rainfall and discharge records from a five-station basin in southwest Iran, with systematic comparison against conventional Conv1D–LSTM and standalone deep learning architectures. Results indicate that the Conv1D–LSTM–Hodge model achieves consistent improvements in accuracy, yielding RMSE = 0.74, MAE = 0.56, NSE = 0.89, and R² = 0.91, outperforming the baseline Conv1D–LSTM (RMSE = 0.95, NSE = 0.82, R² = 0.85). At lower to moderate flows, the model reproduces the hydrograph with minimal bias, while at high extremes it slightly underestimates peak discharges, consistent with the statistical difficulty of rare-event prediction. Importantly, the inclusion of Hodge features reduces scatter in mid-to-high discharge regimes by encoding gradient- and cycle-based flow structures, thereby enhancing both predictive reliability and structural consistency. Ensemble diagnostics (standard deviation = 0.98, variance = 0.96, range = 7.09, skewness = 0.12, kurtosis = 0.07, entropy = 5.86, CV ≈ 50) confirm robust uncertainty representation without excessive heavy tails, ensuring balanced forecasts. Beyond accuracy, the proposed model advances interpretability by linking algebraic topology with deep learning, bridging physical plausibility and statistical precision. These findings position the Conv1D–LSTM–Hodge framework as a promising data-driven tool for flood forecasting, reservoir operation, and drought preparedness, with broader implications for embedding graph-theoretic insights into hydrological machine learning. Streamflow forecasting Conv1D–LSTM hybrid Hodge Laplacian rainfall–runoff modeling deep learning uncertainty analysis algebraic topology hydrological prediction Full Text Cite Share Download PDF Status: Under Review Version 1 posted Editor invited by journal 16 Mar, 2026 Reviewers agreed at journal 30 Sep, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 30 Sep, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 02 Sep, 2025 First submitted to journal 31 Aug, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7502495","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":522895349,"identity":"743d00c9-915b-468c-89a2-2b907e146bea","order_by":0,"name":"Hamid 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