You are here:
MODELING THE IMPACTS OF LAND USE CHANGE ON HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY OF A PACIFIC NORTHWEST WATERSHED
Citation:
MOHAMOUD, Y. M. AND A. C. SIGLEO. MODELING THE IMPACTS OF LAND USE CHANGE ON HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY OF A PACIFIC NORTHWEST WATERSHED. Presented at American Water Resources Association Annual Water Resources Conference, Baltimore, MD, November 06 - 09, 2006.
Impact/Purpose:
The main objective of this research is to identify deficiencies in the current watershed modeling approaches and conduct research that makes the Hydrologic Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) more accurate, more efficient, and more applicable to the needs of the resource managers and decision makers. The ultimate goal is to have watershed models that can simulate the cumulative impacts of alternative development scenarios and present the risks associated with different scenarios under an adaptive management framework where scenarios impacts are tested, model results analyzed, lessons learned, and management decisions made through an iterative process.
Description:
In many parts of the world, aquatic ecosystems are threatened by hydrological and water quality alterations due to extraction and conversion of natural resources for agriculture, urban development, forestry, mining, transportation, and water resources development. To evaluate the potential effect of urban development on hydrology and water quality, predictive models are often utilized. This study used the Hydrological Simulation Program- Fortran (HSPF) to assess the effects of land use change on hydrology and water quality of the Yaquina watershed near Newport, Oregon. The watershed land is currently used for silviculture. Because of its proximity to the coast, however, much of the watershed is a prime candidate for development, such as retirement community housing and vacation homes. Using hypothetical development scenarios, this study demonstrated that comprehensive watershed models can be an important land use planning tool for decision makers.