Abstract
Hydrologic (i.e., flow volumes) and sediment loading calibration and validation were completed for a New York City water supply watershed, the Cannonsville Reservoir basin, located in upstate New York. An unusually large amount of data exist for this watershed, with more than 20,000 data points consisting of climate, flow, and sediment measurements for calibration and validation. Hydrology results using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) displayed a Nash–Sutcliffe measure (NS) of 0.74 at the main monitoring station that drains 80% of the 1,200km2 basin. Sediment results at this station came within 1% of average loading estimated from data for calibration (with one large storm and snowmelt event removed). Two of the three smaller drainage areas displayed calibrated hydrology NS values above 0.7. Adjustments in parameter values for calibration reflected northeastern conditions related to snowmelt events and fragipan soils. Validation of the hydrology and sediment results was based on an independent data set with no changes in parameter values. These validation results for hydrology showed an NS=0.76 and an 8% difference in average flow volumes. Certain limitations of SWAT are discussed, including the model’s approach to snowmelt, sediment erosion, and sediment transport.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
