RVIC Streamflow Routing Model

The RVIC Streamflow Routing model is a simple source to sink routing model. The model represents each grid cell by a node in the channel network. Unit hydrographs are developed that described the time distribution of flow from each source grid cell to a corresponding sink grid cell. The development of the unit hydrographs is done as a pre process step (i.e. make_parameters.py). The final step is the convolution of the unit hydrographs with fluxes from a land surface model, typically VIC (i.e. rvic_model.py).

Usage

Examples of all configuration files can be found in RVIC/config/ directory

Make domain file from arcinfo fraction file

./fraction2domain.bash fraction_file.asc

Make rvic parameter file from existing uhs files

*** note that only C program format files are currently supported

./uhs2paramfile.py config_file.cfg

Make rvic parameter file from pour points

./make_parameters.py config_file.cfg -np $N_PROCESSORS

where $N_PROCESSORS is the number of processors to be used. This uses the Python multiprocessing module.

Run the rvic model convolution

./rvic_model.py config_file.cfg

Development History

1. Based on the initial model of Lohmann, et al., 1996, Tellus, 48(A), 708-721
2. Currently being coupled as a componenet model in the Comunity Earth System Model (RASM) as part of the Regional Arctic System Model Project.

Upcoming Development

1. Write core convolution routine in C for speed.
2. History file restarts to further support short model runs.
3. Possible distributed application to support full grid routing (rather than source to sink only).
4. Plans to couple directly to VIC.