Types of Hydrologic Models

Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model

➢ physically based watershed-scale continuous time-scale model

➢ delineates a watershed, and sub-divides that watershed in to sub-
basins
➢ The Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) is used to predict
sediment yield from the watershed.
➢ The model needs several data inputs to represent watershed
conditions which include: digital elevation model (DEM), land use land
cover, soils, climate data
AnnAGNPS model

➢ evaluate nonpoint source pollution from agriculture watersheds

➢ delineates watershed, sub-divides the watershed into small drainage

areas with homogenous land use, soils, etc.

➢ represents small watershed areas using a cell-based approach, with

land and soil property characterization similar to SWAT model HRUs.

➢ daily soil moisture contents are calculated using the Curve Number
(CN) method, which help to quantify surface and subsurface flows
The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model

➢ process-based, distributed parameter, single storm and continuous

based model

➢ WEPP model allows both an estimation of erosion related to

individual single events and a prognosis over a longer period

➢ utilizes and incorporates components or sub-components from

several other models such as CREAMS model.
Groundwater Loading Effects of Agricultural Management
Systems (GLEAMS)

➢ GLEAMS is a daily time-step, continuous, field-scale hydrological and pollutant

transport mathematical model

➢ this model can simulate surface runoff, percolation, nutrient and pesticide
leaching, erosion and sedimentation

➢ model requires several daily climate data including mean daily air temperature,
daily rainfall, mean monthly maximum and minimum temperatures, wind speed,
solar radiation and dew-point temperature data.
SPAtially-Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes
(SPARROW) model

➢ SPARROW model is a watershed modeling tool for comparing water-quality

data collected at a network of monitoring stations to characterize watersheds
containing the stations

➢ SPARROW model predicts contaminant flux, concentration, and yield in streams

➢ SPARROW model can be used to explain spatial patterns of stream water

quality in relation to human activities and natural processes
 Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model

➢ is a multifunctional surface water modeling system, which includes hydrodynamic,

sediment-contaminant, and eutrophication components

➢ The EFDC can be used to simulate aquatic systems in multiple dimensions and

orthogonal horizontal coordinates to represent the physical characteristics of a water

body

➢ The EFDC allows for drying and wetting in shallow water bodies by a mass

conservation scheme.
Chemicals, Runoff, and Erosion from Agricultural Management
Systems (CREAMS)

➢ One of the first physically based erosion models developed on the

basis of conceptual considerations

➢ consists of three independent sub models: a hydrological model,

an erosion model and a nutrient and pesticide model

➢ The erosion sub model distinguishes the already mentioned

subprocesses: Separation of particles, transport with superficial
discharge and deposition of particles
EROSION 3D Model

➢ developed with the intention to create an easy-to-use tool for

erosion prediction in soil and water conservation planning and
assessment

➢ predominantly based on physical principles

➢ The model calculations are executed for small and homogenous

spatial raster elements and temporal steps
Hydrologic Engineering Centers – Hydrologic Modeling System
(HEC-HMS)

➢ HEC-HMS model simulates rainfall-runoff process in a single outlet watershed

➢ HEC-HMS model is applicable to a number of analyses

➢ The key features of the model include; a) multiple methods to model physical

process of runoff; b) calibration using an optimization algorithm; c) uncertainty

analysis; and d) GIS capabilities

GIS extension - is a set of procedures, tools, and utilities for the preparation of GIS
data for import into HEC-RAS and generation of GIS data from RAS output.

ArcGIS w/ extensions

3D & Spatial Analyst

HEC-GeoHMS

HEC-GeoRAS
HEC-RAS
Simulates water surface profile of a stream reach
Major Functions of GeoRAS

PreRAS Menu - prepares Geometry Data necessary for HEC-RAS modeling

GeoRAS_Util Menu – creates a table of Manning’s n value from land use shapefile
PostRAS Menu – reads RAS import file; delineates flood plain; creates Velocity and Depth
TINs
RAS GIS import file
RAS GIS export file
 Overall Benefits
✓Elevation data is more accurate with TIN files

Better representation of channel bottom

✓Rapid preparation of geometry data (point and click)

Precision of GIS data increases precision of geometry data

✓Efficient data transport via import/export files

✓Floodplain maps can be made faster

several flow scenarios

✓Both steady & unsteady flow analysis
✓GIS tools aid engineering analysis
Automated calculation of functions (Energy Equation)
Structural validation of hydraulic control features
Voluminous data on World Wide Web

✓Makes data into visual event

Drawbacks

1. Time required to learn several software packages

2. Non-availability of TIN or high-resolution data