Suburban Watershed Modeling: Using Soil Moisture Distribution and Routing to Asses the Impact of Suburban Development. (4555)
Authors:
Z. Easton* - Cornell University T.S. Steenhuis - Cornell University A.M. Petrovic - Cornell University
Abstract:
In regions with steep slopes, underlain by shallow bedrock, runoff losses can be significant. Suburban areas present significant areas of impermeable surface, which prevents runoff from infiltrating the soil, and increase soil moisture levels in the surrounding areas, subsequently increasing runoff. Soil water will tend to
accumulate at the bottom of slopes, increasing soil moisture levels and runoff. The Soil Moisture Distribution and Routing Model (SMDR) was used to model the soil moisture distribution and the ensuing effect on stream flow in a sloped suburban watershed. Results indicate that impervious areas associated with suburban development will increase soil moisture levels, saturated areas and subsequently increase runoff losses and cause a rapid stream response to precipitation. SMDR was able to adequately capture the dynamics of stream flow for the growing season (Nash Sutcliffe efficiency E=0.65), however, modeled snowmelt stream flow was not well captured (E=0.31). The model predicted soil moisture well for less
distributed areas with a slight over estimate, and less well for more distributed areas (heavily developed), with an underestimate. Model efficiencies for individual
precipitation events ranged from E=0.09 to E=0.86. Larger events were better
modeled by SMDR. Results indicate that SMDR can be a valuable tool in assessing the impact of suburban areas on hydrology and water quality.
Speaker Information: Zachary Easton, Cornell University, 25 Plant Science Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; Phone: 607 255 1800; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Presentation Start: 4:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 2255)