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SFRmaker and Linesink-Maker: Rapid construction of streamflow routing networks from hydrography data

March 21, 2021

Groundwater models have evolved to encompass more aspects of the water cycle, but the incorporation of realistic boundary conditions representing surface water remains time-consuming and error-prone. We present two Python packages that robustly automate this process using readily available hydrography data as the primary input. SFRmaker creates input for the MODFLOW SFR package, while Linesink-maker creates linesink string input for the GFLOW analytic element program. These programs can reduce weeks or even months of manual effort to a few minutes of execution time, and carry the added advantages of reduced potential for error, improved reproducibility and facilitation of step-wise modeling through reduced dependency on a particular conceptual model or discretization. Two real-world examples at the county to multi-state scales are presented.

Publication Year 2021
Title SFRmaker and Linesink-Maker: Rapid construction of streamflow routing networks from hydrography data
DOI 10.1111/gwat.13095
Authors Andrew T. Leaf, Michael N. Fienen, Howard W. Reeves
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Groundwater
Index ID 70224589
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Michigan Water Science Center; New York Water Science Center; Upper Midwest Water Science Center