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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
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Exploring the Effects of Atmospheric Forcings on Evaporation: Experimental Integration of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer and Shallow Subsurface
Published on: June 8, 2015
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Coupled Surface and Groundwater Hydrological Modeling in a Changing Climate
Venkataramana Sridhar, Mirza M Billah1, John W Hildreth2
1South Florida Water Management District, West Palm Beach, FL 33406.
Ground Water
|November 10, 2017
Summary
This study coupled the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) and MODFLOW models to simulate groundwater-surface water interactions in the Snake River Basin. The integrated model improved streamflow simulation and projected rising water tables under future climate scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Water Resource Management
- Climate Change Impact Assessment
Background:
- Watershed modeling increasingly integrates surface water and groundwater dynamics for effective water resource management.
- Understanding groundwater-surface water exchanges is crucial, especially in the context of a changing climate.
- The Snake River Basin (SRB) is a key region where these dynamics influence water and energy balance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of groundwater dynamics on water and energy balance components in the SRB.
- To couple the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) and MODFLOW models (VIC-MF) for enhanced watershed simulation.
- To project the impacts of climate change on groundwater-surface water interactions and water table elevations.
Main Methods:
- Coupling of the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) and MODFLOW models to create the VIC-MF model.
- Simulation of groundwater-surface water interactions for the period 1986-2042 in the SRB.
- Analysis of streamflow, base flows, peak flows, and water table elevations under different climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5).
Main Results:
- The VIC-MF model estimated a 4.4% increase in base flows and a 10.3% decrease in peak flows compared to the VIC model alone.
- Significant improvement in streamflow simulation at King Hill (NSE of 0.84) using VIC-MF, capturing spring discharge effects missed by VIC (NSE of -0.30).
- Projected average increase in water table elevations between 2.1-2.6m by 2042 under median and high radiative forcing scenarios, with spatial variations.
Conclusions:
- Integrated assessment of groundwater-surface water interactions provides a more accurate simulation of watershed hydrology.
- The findings support sustainable watershed management by enabling stakeholders to balance water demands, recharge, and base flow needs.
- This approach is vital for managing watersheds facing human pressures and climate change impacts.
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