A Channel Network Model for Sediment Dynamics Over Watershed Management Time Scales

• Main Authors: Claire Beveridge, Erkan Istanbulluoglu, Christina Bandaragoda, Allison M. Pfeiffer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2020-06-01
• Series: Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems
• Subjects: watershed network model; bedload transport; suspended load transport
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1029/2019MS001852

Abstract A mountain watershed network model is presented for use in decadal to centurial estimation of source‐to‐sink sediment dynamics. The model requires limited input parameters and can be effectively applied over spatial scales relevant to management of reservoirs, lakes, streams, and watersheds (1–100 km2). The model operates over a connected stream network of Strahler‐ordered segments. The model is driven by streamflow from a physically based hydrology model and hillslope sediment supply from a stochastic mass wasting algorithm. For each daily time step, segment‐scale sediment mass balance is computed using bedload and suspended load transport equations. Sediment transport is partitioned between grain size fractions for bedload as gravel and sand, and for suspended load as sand and mud. Bedload and suspended load can deposit and re‐entrain at each segment. We demonstrated the model in the Elwha River Basin, upstream of the former Glines Canyon dam, over the dam's historic 84‐year lifespan. The model predicted the lifetime reservoir sedimentation volume within the uncertainty range of the measured volume (13.7–18.5 million m3) for 25 of 28 model instances. Gravel, sand, and mud fraction volumes were predicted within measurement uncertainty ranges for 18 model instances. The network model improved the prediction of sediment yields compared to at‐a‐station sediment transport capacity relations. The network model also provided spatially and temporally distributed information that allowed for inquiry and understanding of the physical system beyond the sediment yields at the outlet. This work advances cross‐disciplinary and application‐oriented watershed sediment yield modeling approaches.