REFINEMENT OF THE STREAM TEMPERATURE NETWORK MODEL WITH CORRECTIONS FOR SOLAR SHADINGS AND INFLOW TEMPERATURES

Abstract

A basin-wide stream network model was developed for stream temperature prediction in a river basin. The model used Horton’s geomorphologic laws for channel networks and river basins with stream ordering systems in order to connect channel segments from sources to the river mouth. Within the each segment, a theoretical solution derived from a thermal energy equation was used to predict longitudinal variation of stream temperatures. The model also took into account effects of solar radiation reduction due to both riparian vegetation and topography, thermal advection from the sources and lateral land-use. Comparison of the model prediction with observation in the Ibo River Basin of Japan showed very good agreement for the thermal structure throughout the river basin for almost all seasons, excluding the autumnal month in which the thermal budget on the stream water body was changed from positive to negative.