Digital Hydrologic Networks Supporting Applications Related to Spatially Referenced Regression Modeling1

J.W Brakebill,D.M Wolock,S.E Terziotti

doi:10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00578.x

J.W Brakebill, D.M Wolock + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00578.x

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Abstract

Digital hydrologic networks depicting surface-water pathways and their associated drainage catchments provide a key component to hydrologic analysis and modeling. Collectively, they form common spatial units that can be used to frame the descriptions of aquatic and watershed processes. In addition, they provide the ability to simulate and route the movement of water and associated constituents throughout the landscape. Digital hydrologic networks have evolved from derivatives of mapping products to detailed, interconnected, spatially referenced networks of water pathways, drainage areas, and stream and watershed characteristics. These properties are important because they enhance the ability to spatially evaluate factors that affect the sources and transport of water-quality constituents at various scales. SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW), a process-based/statistical model, relies on a digital hydrologic network in order to establish relations between quantities of monitored contaminant flux, contaminant sources, and the associated physical characteristics affecting contaminant transport. Digital hydrologic networks modified from the River Reach File (RF1) and National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) geospatial datasets provided frameworks for SPARROW in six regions of the conterminous United States. In addition, characteristics of the modified RF1 were used to update estimates of mean-annual streamflow. This produced more current flow estimates for use in SPARROW modeling.

Highlights

Processes controlling the supply, fate, and transport of chemical and organic constituents in terrestrial and aquatic systems occur throughout a watershed, from the headwater areas to the downstream receiving waters (Howarth et al, 1996; Seitzinger et al, 2002; Van Breemen et al, 2002; McClain et al, 2003; Alexander et al, 2007)
We provide a historical perspective of digital hydrologic networks and the origins of geospatial data that support the development and evolution of such networks
We describe the important roles networks play in providing a spatial infrastructure for supporting hydrologic-transport models such as SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Fate, and transport of chemical and organic constituents in terrestrial and aquatic systems occur throughout a watershed, from the headwater areas to the downstream receiving waters (Howarth et al, 1996; Seitzinger et al, 2002; Van Breemen et al, 2002; McClain et al, 2003; Alexander et al, 2007). A linear network of stream reaches and associated drainage areas collectively form this basic foundation for spatially referencing monitored and predicted stream flux, quantities of potential contaminant sources, and stream and BRAKEBILL, WOLOCK, AND TERZIOTTI watershed characteristics to individual stream reaches and drainage areas (Schwarz et al, 2006) This infrastructure allows for a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of landscape characterizations and the relationships to water-quality conditions and the processes controlling supply and transport of constituents over a broad spatial domain rather than just at point locations where monitoring data are collected. Expanded capabilities of NHDPlus include updated reach-network connections and topology, 30 m elevation-derived catchments and flow paths (Johnston et al, 2009), estimates of streamflow and velocity, and value-added attributes of spatially referenced landscape characteristics like land use and climate (USEPA and USGS, 2009).

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Findings

SUMMARY