SFRmaker and Linesink-Maker: Rapid Construction of Streamflow Routing Networks from Hydrography Data

Ground Water. 2021 Sep;59(5):761-771. doi: 10.1111/gwat.13095. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Abstract

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 types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Groundwater*
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Water Cycle
  • Water Movements*