Model Library

Seoul National University Watershed Simulation (SNU-WS)

Model name: Seoul National University Watershed Simulation (SNU-WS)

Developed by: researchers at the Seoul National University, led by Dr. Van Thinh Nguyen (Last update: 2021)

Model type: Process-based, hydrologic runoff and river routing, watershed model

Development: The runoff processes are calculated based on the modification of the formulas using in the Generalized Watershed Loading Functions (GWLF), and the channel and river routing component is based on HEC-RAS model.

Computational requirements: Windows

Software requirements: GIS: required

Link to download model: Not open-source. Contact vnguyen@snu.ac.kr for any information.

Capabilities and Limitations:

Capabilities

  • SNU-WS integrates all modeling facilities; pre-processing tool, hydrologic and a channel/river transport model, and a calibration and uncertainty analysis tool (Nguyen et al., 2021);
  • All components of SNU-WS are connected and immersed into an open-source GIS MapWindow and equipped with GUI system (Nguyen et al., 2021);
  • SNU-WS requires less data input than other available watershed models such as SWAT, HSPF, BASINS, AGNPS, etc. (Nguyen and Nguyen, 2014; Nguyen et al., 2021).

Limitations

  • This model is not open-source;
  • Snowmelt calculation based on temperature index only (Nguyen et al., 2021);
  • The groundwater discharge and deep seepage calculations based on lumped parameter linear reservoir model (Nguyen et al., 2021);
  • The model lacks application to diverse watersheds and intensive calibration/validation with observations (Nguyen et al., 2021).

Model Inputs and Outputs: 

Inputs

DEM, LU, Soil, Weather, Point sources (optional), Streamflow, Water quality data in shape and grid files.

Outputs

SNU-WS can simulate daily/monthly discharge, sediment yield, sediment and nutrient loads, nutrient flux in dissolved and solid phases, precipitation, evapotranspiration, erosion, etc. and visualize results through tables, graphs, and maps

Example:

Reference

Nguyen, V. T., Nguyen, H. H., & Han, G. (2021). Development of an integrated modeling platform for watershed simulation. Environmental Modelling & Software, 139, 105014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2021.105014

Objective

The main objective of this study is to develop a new modeling platform, which integrates all necessary modeling components for watershed simulation, including a pre-processing tool, a coupling of hydrologic and river transport models, and a calibration and uncertainty analysis tool.