HR: 1400h
AN: H53D-06    [Abstracts]
TI: Physically-Based Distributed-Parameter Hydrologic Modeling of the Bull Creek Watershed, Austin, Texas
AU: * Sparks, L B
EM: leonb_sparks@yahoo.com
AF: University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
AU: Sharif, H O
EM: Hatim.Sharif@utsa.edu
AF: University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
AU: French, R H
EM: Richard.French@utsa.edu
AF: University of Texas at San Antonio, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States
AB: Recent advances in computing power, data storage and the increased availability of spatially distributed data sets have encouraged research into the benefits and potential applications of physically-based, distributed hydrologic models. Physically-based, distributed parameter, structured grid models simulate watershed processes using physics-based equations, such as energy, momentum and continuity. Hydrologic parameters are specified for each grid cell within the model domain in an effort to best represent the spatial variability of watershed characteristics. The intent of this study is to contribute to the ongoing effort to evaluate the physically-based, distributing modeling approach for hydrologic study, flood forecasting and other applications. The hydrology of a partially urbanized watershed located in Austin, Texas is simulated using the physically-based, distributed parameter model Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA). GIS-based data sets, collected from publicly available sources and the City of Austin Watershed Protection Division, were processed using ArcGIS version 9.1 and the Watershed Modeling System graphical modeling environment. NEXRAD precipitation data for three significant rain events were processed and quality-controlled using rain-gauge observations. Model-generated hydrographs for these events were compared to observed flow data at a USGS flow gage located at the basin outlet.
DE: 1847 Modeling
SC: Hydrology [H]
MN: 2007 Joint Assembly