Future Needs in Wetland Hydrology and Hydraulics
Abstract
This Technical Note identifies future research needs for improving the predictive capability of the Wetlands Dynamic Water Budget Model (WDWBM) for computer simulations of wetland hydrology and hydraulics. The WDWBM was based on a number of models in common use and incorporates many of these models' theories and approaches. An underlying objective was to keep the model relatively simple and efficient, so that it could simulate year-to-year variations. While many of the future model modifications will arise from applications, several areas of study have been identified to improve model accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. The current version of the vertical processes module uses a Priestley-Taylor (1972) description of evapotranspiration. This procedure only requires knowledge of air temperature and net solar radiation. More sophisticated methods for estimating evapotranspiration could be examined to assess their effectiveness and data requirements. The vertical processes module assumes a saturated flow condition for infiltration across the ground surface. A more exact physical description of unsaturated infiltration could be incorporated into the model. A number of methods can be used to determine hydraulic conductivity when simulating groundwater flow. It would be useful to examine the effects of these methods on model results. It also would be useful to examine the potential computation savings and effects on model accuracy of using an implicit algorithm for at least the vertical processes module. In addition to describing potential model improvements and future applications, the note presents guidelines for using the water budget model as a test platform for the development and verification of simplified methods of wetland hydrology and hydraulics analyses. A simplified method is described for determining stage and hydroperiod throughout the Black Swamp area of the Cache River in Arkansas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA434511
Entities
People
- Jack Davis
- Raymond Walton