Implementing Reservoirs in ParFlow, a Fully Integrated Physical Hydrology Model

Abstract

Recent advancements in computational and earth systems modeling have enabled increasingly high-fidelity models of hydrologic systems, which are critical for our ability to understand and predict the hydrological cycle. However, many of these models do not incorporate the effect of human built structures such as dams. By not accounting for these impacts, our models are limited both in their accuracy and in the scope of questions they are able to investigate. Therefore, we present a methodology and initial implementation of dams and reservoirs in ParFlow-an integrated hydrologic model. We also present results from idealized test cases to demonstrate certain features of this new module. Our results will improve current ParFlow models and, as ParFlow’s integrated solver is well suited to capture surface-ground water interactions, they will enable us to ask new questions regarding conjunctive management of ground and surface water.