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Scaling Effects of Elevation Data on Urban Nonpoint Source Pollution Simulations
Ying Dai1, Lei Chen1, Pu Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) scale effects impact urban nonpoint source (NPS) pollution simulations. Urban catchments show unique scale effects due to local terrain and sewer systems, unlike natural watersheds.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Hydrology
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Background:
- Scale effects of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are well-documented for natural watersheds but understudied in urban settings.
- Urban catchments present unique hydrological and pollution dynamics due to altered landscapes and infrastructure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the scale effects of DEM data on rainfall-runoff and nonpoint source (NPS) pollution simulations in a Chinese urban catchment.
- To identify a potential resolution threshold for DEM data in urban NPS pollution modeling.
Main Methods:
- Constructed hydrological and NPS pollution models using DEM data at nine different resolutions.
- Employed conventional model performance indicators and the information entropy method for scale effect evaluation.
Main Results:
- Confirmed the existence of scale effects and a resolution threshold for DEM data in urban NPS pollution simulations.
- Urban simulations are more influenced by local terrain and sewer networks compared to natural watersheds.
- Decreasing DEM resolution prolonged times of concentration for impervious areas, indicating sensitivity in overland flow simulations.
Conclusions:
- DEM scale significantly influences urban NPS pollution modeling, with local terrain and sewer systems being key factors.
- The findings provide crucial insights for data selection and modeling in urban hydrological and pollution studies.
- Results offer a reference for similar urban catchments regarding DEM data resolution for accurate simulations.
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