thumbnail

Description of the National Hydrologic Model for use with the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS)

Techniques and Methods 6-B9
By: , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm6B9

Links

Abstract

This report documents several components of the U.S. Geological Survey National Hydrologic Model of the conterminous United States for use with the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS). It provides descriptions of the (1) National Hydrologic Model, (2) Geospatial Fabric for National Hydrologic Modeling, (3) PRMS hydrologic simulation code, (4) parameters and estimation methods used to compute spatially and temporally distributed default values as required by PRMS, (5) National Hydrologic Model Parameter Database, and (6) model extraction tool named Bandit. The National Hydrologic Model Parameter Database contains values for all PRMS parameters used in the National Hydrologic Model. The methods and national datasets used to estimate all the PRMS parameters are described. Some parameter values are derived from characteristics of topography, land cover, soils, geology, and hydrography using traditional Geographic Information System methods. Other parameters are set to long-established default values and computation of initial values. Additionally, methods (statistical, sensitivity, calibration, and algebraic) were developed to compute parameter values on the basis of a variety of nationally-consistent datasets. Values in the National Hydrologic Model Parameter Database can periodically be updated on the basis of new parameter estimation methods and as additional national datasets become available. A companion ScienceBase resource provides a set of static parameter values as well as images of spatially-distributed parameters associated with PRMS states and fluxes for each Hydrologic Response Unit across the conterminuous United States.

Suggested Citation

Regan, R.S., Markstrom, S.L., Hay, L.E., Viger, R.J., Norton, P.A., Driscoll, J.M., LaFontaine, J.H., 2018, Description of the National Hydrologic Model for use with the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 6, chap B9, 38 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm6B9.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Preface
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Description of the National Hydrologic Model (NHM)
  • Description of the Geospatial Fabric for National Hydrologic Modeling (GF)
  • Description of the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS)
  • National Hydrologic Model Parameter Database (NhmParamDb)
  • Extracting Subsets of the NHM-PRMS
  • Summary
  • References Cited
  • Glossary
  • Appendix 1. Derivation of Parameter Values for the National Hydrologic Model (NHM) Precipitation Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) Application
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Description of the National Hydrologic Model for use with the Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS)
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 6-B9
DOI 10.3133/tm6B9
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Office of Surface Water
Description vii, 38 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Section B: Surface water in Book 6: Modeling techniques
Public Comments This report is Chapter 9 of Section B: Surface Water in Book 6 Modeling Techniques.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details