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Channel representation in physically based models coupling groundwater and surface water: pitfalls and how to avoid
Daniel Käser1, Tobias Graf, Fabien Cochand
1Centre d'Hydrogéologie et de Géothermie, Université de Neuchâtel, 11 rue Emile-Argand, Neuchâtel, 2000, Switzerland.
Ground Water
|January 15, 2014
Summary
Integrated surface-subsurface hydrologic models require accurate channel topography. This study addresses common pitfalls and provides guidance for representing stream channels in these complex watershed models.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Geomorphology
- Computational Modeling
Background:
- Coupled three-dimensional subsurface flow and two-dimensional overland flow models are crucial for understanding groundwater/stream interactions.
- Representing stream channels in these integrated models presents unique challenges compared to conventional groundwater models.
- Model sensitivity to channel topography, including bank geometry and river slope, is significant across various spatial scales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common challenges in representing stream channels within integrated hydrologic models.
- To provide practical guidance for modelers on topographic representation and mesh discretization.
- To offer tutorials on interpolating cross-sectional data and refining stream meshes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of topographic representation in integrated surface-subsurface flow models.
- Evaluation of mesh discretization techniques along stream networks.
- Development of tutorials for data interpolation and mesh refinement.
Main Results:
- Integrated models are highly sensitive to channel topography, necessitating accurate data.
- Existing digital elevation models often lack the resolution for realistic streambed representation.
- Manual correction of topography is common but cumbersome, highlighting the need for standardized methods.
Conclusions:
- Accurate representation of channel topography and its connection to floodplains is vital for watershed model accuracy.
- Addressing pitfalls in topographic data and mesh discretization improves model reliability.
- Practical guidance and tutorials can aid modelers in overcoming challenges in integrated hydrologic modeling.
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