Modeling the Hydrodynamics and Water Quality of the Lower Minnesota River Using CE-QUAL-W2: A Report on the Development, Calibration, Verification, and Application of the Model
Abstract
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (USACE ERDC) Environmental Lab (EL) and Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) developed an advanced water quality model of the Lower Minnesota River (Jordan, Minnesota, to the mouth) using the CE-QUAL-W2 modeling framework. This portion of the river is a highly impaired system with a very rich set of monitored data. Model development consisted of calibration and validation of seven water years: 1988 (low flow) and 2001-2006. Data from 2006 were first used to calibrate the model, and the same parameter values were applied to all other years for validation. The 2006 parameter set worked well for all years except 1988. The model was then recalibrated using data from 1988 and verified by applying the revised parameter set to the other six years. The model output agrees to an acceptable level with observed data for every water year simulated. The Lower Minnesota River Model (LMRM) provides a tool for load allocation studies and facility or watershed planning, in addition to providing a bridge to other water quality modeling efforts in the area.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA560207
Entities
People
- Catherine E. Larson
- David L. Smith
- Tammy L. Threadgill
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center