Geology Reports⌕ Search
Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · tm6A31

SWB: A modified Thornthwaite-Mather Soil-Water-Balance code for estimating groundwater recharge

S. M. Westenbroek·V. A. Kelson·W. R. Dripps·R. J. Hunt·K. R. Bradbury
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

A Soil-Water-Balance (SWB) computer code has been developed to calculate spatial and temporal variations in groundwater recharge. The SWB model calculates recharge by use of commonly available geographic information system (GIS) data layers in combination with tabular climatological data. The code is based on a modified Thornthwaite-Mather soil-water-balance approach, with components of the soil-water balance calculated at a daily timestep. Recharge calculations are made on a rectangular grid of computational elements that may be easily imported into a regional groundwater-flow model. Recharge estimates calculated by the code may be output as daily, monthly, or annual values.

Explore related subjects

Techniques and MethodsReport
90° N90° S · 180° W ← longitude → 180° E
Source-reported bounding extent: 41.9° to 45.7171256104659° latitude; -89.58784321609798° to -85.13065152857342° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

S. M. Westenbroek, V. A. Kelson, W. R. Dripps, R. J. Hunt, K. R. Bradbury. 2010. SWB: A modified Thornthwaite-Mather Soil-Water-Balance code for estimating groundwater recharge. https://doi.org/10.3133/tm6a31

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2026

dMODELS, a MATLAB software package for modeling crustal deformation near volcanic centers and active faults using Global Navigation Satellite System data—User guide

dMODELS is a MATLAB software package that implements the most common analytical models used to interpret deformation measurements near faults and active volcanic centers. This manual focuses on inversion of deformation data from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The included case studies emphasize the GNSS inversion component of the software. Source models include pressurized spherical, spheroidal, and horizontal sill (penny-crack) magma reservoirs in a homogeneous, elastic, isotropic, flat half-space. A topography correction is available for the spherical source. Dikes and faults are described following the mathematical notation for the rectangular dislocations in a homogeneous, elastic, flat half-space. Equations have been reviewed for typographical errors present in the original literature and verified against finite-element method numerical models. GNSS data from the 2006 eruption at Augustine Volcano, Alaska; the 1998–2000 unrest at Taal Volcano, Philippines; and the 2009 earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy, are used to demonstrate the application of the software package.

Techniques and Methods↗
USGS2026

Aspergillosis (Avian) case definition for wildlife

Diagnostic laboratories receive carcasses and samples for diagnostic evaluation and pathogen/toxin detection. Case definitions bring clarity and consistency to the evaluation process. Their use within and between organizations allows more uniform reporting of diseases and etiologic agents. The intent of a case definition is to provide scientifically based criteria for determining: (a) if an individual carcass has a specific disease and degree of confidence in that diagnosis and (b) if there is evidence of a pathogen or toxin in a carcass or sample (for example, swab, tissue sample, skin scraping, blood/serum sample, environmental sample, or other). This case definition is specific to aspergillosis and applies to all avian species.

Techniques and Methods↗
USGS2026

Field sampling guidelines for developing and verifying satellite remote sensing chlorophyll a concentration and fluorescence models in inland waters

Harmful algal blooms are increasing in frequency in inland waters across the United States, resulting in a need to monitor phytoplankton bloom events to track ecosystem health and productivity. Remote sensing of chlorophyll a values offers a cost-effective and powerful method for early detection and characterization of bloom events and serves as an overall indicator of water quality and trophic state, with regular, repeated sampling of landscape-wide, high spatial resolution measurements. Field measurements are necessary for developing and verifying chlorophyll a retrieval models. For model verification, chlorophyll a concentration or fluorescence and light attenuation measurements are needed; for model development, turbidity and colored dissolved organic matter concentration measurements are additionally needed; and for model development and verification, radiometric measurements, taxonomic identification of phytoplankton, inherent optical properties, and cyanotoxin concentration are further measurements that can provide context. This report outlines detailed methods and priority considerations for collecting high-quality field data in inland waters (defined as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, streams, and wetlands). The described methods include best practices for collecting and preparing discretely collected water samples and for calibration, maintenance, and quality assurance and quality control of field sensors. Whereas the priorities will vary between applications, some general guidelines are to collect field samples (1) as close in time to a satellite overpass as possible, (2) from representative areas of the waterbody to capture the range of spatial variability, and (3) near the surface to match remote sensing reflectance data.

Techniques and Methods↗