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Spatially explicit watershed modeling: tracking water, mercury and nitrogen in multiple systems under diverse conditions
Citation:
GOLDEN, H. E. Spatially explicit watershed modeling: tracking water, mercury and nitrogen in multiple systems under diverse conditions. Presented at University of Cincinnati Center for Geospatial Information and Environmental Sensor Network, Cincinnati, OH, January 28, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
This presentation discusses several studies focusing on simulating the cycling and transport of water, mercury, and nitgrogen through different watersheds under diverse conditions. Specifically, we discuss recent research using spatially explicit simulation models to assess changes in water fluxes from the landscape when air quality and water quality models are linked, the response of mercury and nitrate watershed loadings to multiple land cover change scenarios, and mercury cycling in a coastal plain watershed. We highlight developing research at EPA's Ecological Exposure Research Division in Cincinnati using spatially explicit modeling approaches linked to biological health in aquatic ecosystems.
Description:
Environmental decision-making and the influences of various stressors, such as landscape and climate changes on water quantity and quality, requires the application of environmental modeling. Spatially explicit environmental and watershed-scale models using GIS as a base framework are primary tools for answering regulatory questions and advancing ecological exposure science. GIS based mathematical models can (1) improve spatial and temporal linkages between controls on environmental processes and subsequent water quality when observational studies are limited, and (2) predict future changes in surface water quality.