Arnold, J.G., D. N. Moriasi, P. W. Gassman, K. C. Abbaspour, M. J. White,R. Srinivasan, C. Santhi, R. D. Harmel, A. van Griensven, M. W. Van Liew, N. Kannan, M. K. Jha. 2012. SWAT: Model Use, Calibration, and Validation. Transactions of the ASABE. Vol. 55(4): 1491-1508.
Hydraulic Models
Hydraulic models are mathematical models of a fluid flow system such as a water system, a sewer system, or a storm system, and are used to analyze systems’ hydraulic behavior. Hydraulic models illustrate the effects of changing demand and climactic conditions on water distribution and wastewater collection systems – predicting pressures and identifying bottlenecks – and demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed solutions. By testing different alternatives and using the existing system to full advantage, hydraulic models help utilities minimize the cost of improvements
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Water Quality Models
Water Quality Models included in this inventory are generally used in the prediction of water pollution using mathematical simulation techniques. In most cases, these models simulate runoff or streamflow and calculate the position and fate of water quality parameters. Some models described hereafter are for individual components of the hydrological system such as runoff; others are basin-wide models addressing hydrologic transport while others can be used for reservoir, lake, ocean and or estuarine applications. Comprehensive models that predict most or all the components of the water balance and water quality parameters are found under the Hydrology sub-menu on this website.
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Watershed Models
Hydrology / watershed models listed in this inventory are generally used in the simulation of components of or the entire water cycle. They are primarily used for hydrologic prediction and for understanding hydrologic processes. Specific component processes of the water cycle simulated include (1) Precipitation – condensed atmospheric water falling to earth (2) Evaporation – phase transition of a liquid to a gas (3) Transpiration – movement of water within and out of plants into the atmosphere (4) Infiltration – water entering soil from the ground surface (5) Runoff – flow of water over the earth’s surface (6) Interflow – flow of water within the soil layer(s) (8) Routing – the movement of water “downstream”. In addition to water quantity and flow, most of these models also can be used in water quality studies and are able to determine the origin and fate of various water quality parameters in a watershed.
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About the Database
Hydrologic modeling is at the heart of modern hydrology, supplying rich information that is vital to addressing resource planning, environmental, and social problems. Recognizing the need for a broad, comprehensive overview of the various types of models, we have have compiled an up-to-date inventory of several highly popular and useful models to produce this groundbreaking reference. The models are listed under various categories on the top menu. To avoid duplication, models that fit in more than one category will be listed only one category. The site visitor is therefore encouraged to peruse through the different categories when looking for information about a specific model.
The effort to develop this database was started in 1999 as a collaborative effort between Louisiana State University and the Bureau of Reclamation. Developers of well known models were contacted by Dr. Vijay P. Singh, Dr. Donald K. Frevert and several other Bureau of Reclamation staff members. Each developer was asked to fill out a questionnaire providing basic information including the capabilities of their model, input requirements, output information, assumptions, hardware requirements and contact information. The questionnaires were originally posted on a Bureau of Reclamation website, but in 2007 the website was moved to the Texas A&M domain to facilitate support and maintenance. In 2018, the site was revamped after years of non-maintenance, given a new permanent host, the structure and layout improved and more content included.
The inventory, its origin and development are described in “Singh, Vijay P., et al. “The Hydrologic Modeling Inventory: A Cooperative Research Effort.” Watershed Management and Operations Management 2000. 2000. 1-8″ available on https://doi.org/10.1061/40499(2000)60.
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