ARS Small Watershed Model

DeCoursey, D.G. (1982). ARS Small Watershed Model. IIASA Collaborative Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: CP-82-089

Preview

Text CP-82-089.pdf Download (904kB) | Preview

Abstract

In this paper I have attempted to describe the SWAM development by ARS. It began several years ago with the work on CREAMS. The Small Watershed Model uses the dynamic version of CREAMS II as its core. The outputs from all source areas within a small watershed are routed through the channel and impoundment systems to the downstream point. The dynamic version of CREAMS II provides a continuous record of water, sediment and chemicals from each field in the watershed. A dynamic channel routing scheme routes the water and sediments, by particle size fraction, calculating both aggradation and degradation; bed armoring is also included. The reservoir model calculates profiles of temperature and sediment concentration as well as the effects of biological activity on nutrient levels. Most of the significant chemical balances and changes are considered as the flow moves from reach to reach. However, much remains to be done to make the combined program useful to a wider range of applications. This consists of sensitivity analyses to reduce the model complexity in insensitive regions and to find efficient ways to aggregate areas such that a basin scale model can be developed.

Actions (login required)

View Item