Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study: Estimating Streamflow Completed
A hydrologic model that simulates streamflow conditions in the ACF Basin was constructed using the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System. The model simulated development by including withdrawals and returns, interbasin transfers, storage in unmanaged reservoirs, and impervious surface.
National Water Census • ACF Basin • Drought Impacts • Water Use • Estimating Streamflow • Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions
Seven hydrologic models were developed in the ACF River Basin using the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) to evaluate streamflow conditions. PRMS is a deterministic, distributed-parameter, process-based model used to simulate the effects of precipitation, temperature, land use, and water use on basin hydrology. The model includes human-induced changes to the landscape, such as surface-water withdrawals and returns, interbasin transfers, impervious surfaces, and storage in unmanaged reservoirs.
A coarse-resolution PRMS model was developed to estimate flows for the entire ACF basin and provide estimates of recharge for a groundwater flow model developed for the lower part of the basin. Six fine-resolution models were developed in smaller watershed to provide information on ecological flow conditions and to support development of ecological models for those watersheds. Flow simulations were developed for the period 1982-2012 without water use; simulations with water use were made for 2008-2012.
Key Findings and Results:
- Flow statistics for spring and summer seasons when flow conditions most affect biological processes were computed for every stream segment in the model.
- Recharge to the groundwater system estimated with the PRMS model was very dynamic with most occurring during winter.
- The coupled groundwater and surface water model produced better results than the surface water model alone for the summer; but underestimated flows in winter months.
- Read the report
National Water Census • ACF Basin • Drought Impacts • Water Use • Estimating Streamflow • Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions
Below are other science components of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study.
Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study
Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study: Drought Impacts on Streams and Groundwater
Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study: Water Use
Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study: Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions
- Overview
A hydrologic model that simulates streamflow conditions in the ACF Basin was constructed using the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System. The model simulated development by including withdrawals and returns, interbasin transfers, storage in unmanaged reservoirs, and impervious surface.
National Water Census • ACF Basin • Drought Impacts • Water Use • Estimating Streamflow • Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions
Seven hydrologic models were developed in the ACF River Basin using the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) to evaluate streamflow conditions. PRMS is a deterministic, distributed-parameter, process-based model used to simulate the effects of precipitation, temperature, land use, and water use on basin hydrology. The model includes human-induced changes to the landscape, such as surface-water withdrawals and returns, interbasin transfers, impervious surfaces, and storage in unmanaged reservoirs.
A coarse-resolution PRMS model was developed to estimate flows for the entire ACF basin and provide estimates of recharge for a groundwater flow model developed for the lower part of the basin. Six fine-resolution models were developed in smaller watershed to provide information on ecological flow conditions and to support development of ecological models for those watersheds. Flow simulations were developed for the period 1982-2012 without water use; simulations with water use were made for 2008-2012.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsSchematic diagram illustrating the hydrologic processes as conceptualized in the Precipitation Runoff Modeling System Key Findings and Results:
- Flow statistics for spring and summer seasons when flow conditions most affect biological processes were computed for every stream segment in the model.
- Recharge to the groundwater system estimated with the PRMS model was very dynamic with most occurring during winter.
- The coupled groundwater and surface water model produced better results than the surface water model alone for the summer; but underestimated flows in winter months.
- Read the report
National Water Census • ACF Basin • Drought Impacts • Water Use • Estimating Streamflow • Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions
- Science
Below are other science components of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study.
Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study
As one of several National Focus Area Studies within the USGS National Water Census (NWC) the USGS completed a 3-year study of water availability and use in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River Basin.Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study: Drought Impacts on Streams and Groundwater
During 2011 drought conditions in the ACF basin provided an opportunity to document streamflow and groundwater levels under these extreme conditions. Over 350 water levels were measured in wells and streamflow was measured at 212 streams or springs.Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study: Water Use
Water use estimates and water returns for the ACF Basin were estimated and compiled by category and location during 2010. Categories included public supply, self-suppled domestic, self-supplied commercial, industrial, mining, agricultural (crop irrigation, livestock, and aquaculture), and thermoelectric-power generation. Methods for estimating irrigation water use were compared and evaluated...Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin Focus Area Study: Groundwater/Surface-Water Interactions
In the lower Chattahoochee and Flint River Basin, a groundwater flow model was developed to simulate the effects of groundwater withdrawals on streamflow. This model was linked with the streamflow model to improve estimates of baseflow conditions during critical times, such as droughts. - Publications