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Surface Water Response Modeling
Citation:
Weaver, James, S. Mravik, AND S. Kraemer. Surface Water Response Modeling. Presented at 15th Annual OSC Readiness Training Program, February 06 - 10, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation for the 15th Annual OSC Readiness Training Program in Henderson, NV on February 6-10, 2012
Description:
During response to spills, or for facility planning, the vulnerability of downstream water resources is a major concern. How long and at what concentration do spilled contaminants reach downstream receptors? Models have the potential to answer these questions, but only if they can be calibrated and used quickly enough for decision making. ORD is developing a surface water transport modeling approach based on empirical tracer experiments. Through this approach, the travel times and peak concentrations are determined by a statistical analysis of data that eliminates the need to chose model parameters through calibration. As an example, a tracer study conducted in the Monocacy River was matched by a single run of the model. In emergency response, however, the mass of released chemical is usually not precisely known, and other factors introduce uncertainties into the model results. Development of the model is continuing and data sets are being developed for several locations around the U.S.