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PRMS-IV, the precipitation-runoff modeling system, version 4

February 16, 2015

Computer models that simulate the hydrologic cycle at a watershed scale facilitate assessment of variability in climate, biota, geology, and human activities on water availability and flow. This report describes an updated version of the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System. The Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System is a deterministic, distributed-parameter, physical-process-based modeling system developed to evaluate the response of various combinations of climate and land use on streamflow and general watershed hydrology. Several new model components were developed, and all existing components were updated, to enhance performance and supportability. This report describes the history, application, concepts, organization, and mathematical formulation of the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System and its model components. This updated version provides improvements in (1) system flexibility for integrated science, (2) verification of conservation of water during simulation, (3) methods for spatial distribution of climate boundary conditions, and (4) methods for simulation of soil-water flow and storage.

Publication Year 2015
Title PRMS-IV, the precipitation-runoff modeling system, version 4
DOI 10.3133/tm6B7
Authors Steven L. Markstrom, R. Steve Regan, Lauren E. Hay, Roland J. Viger, Richard M. Webb, Robert A. Payn, Jacob H. LaFontaine
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Techniques and Methods
Series Number 6-B7
Index ID tm6B7
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization National Research Program - Central Branch
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