GeoSHED Software for Wetlands Drainage Analysis
Abstract
This Technical Note documents recent software developments in automated drainage basin analysis and describes how the tools can be used in wetland environments. A detailed knowledge of wetland hydrology is the first, if not the most important, aspect of wetland behavior that the wetland scientist must understand prior to implementing wetland improvements or designing new wetlands. Hydrologic inputs define the frequency and depth of inundation of the wetland, which in turn define habitability for various plants and wildlife. In fact, wetlands are defined and typed by the frequency with which they are inundated. Since there are a wide range of wetland types ranging from alpine meadows to tidal marshes, there is a need for generalized tools for studying hydrologic behavior. The tools must be able to quantify runoff from rainfall, route the flow through stream networks within the wetland, and account for groundwater sources and losses. Unfortunately, the requirements for studying each process require different technical approaches and models. In the early stages of the WRP, tools were developed to address each aspect of the hydrologic cycle separately with an interest in improving existing tools and making them easy to apply to wetland applications. Three categories were addressed as distinct entities. They include runoff calculations using such models as HEC-1, calculations of shallow water flow using two-dimensional models such as the TABS system, and groundwater models to determine the effect of groundwater on the wetland water budget. This Technical Note addresses the first category; ensuing Technical Notes will address the latter two. Each of the categories will be addressed with consistent data structures to allow them to be coupled when they are mature and when integrated solutions are required.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA434510