ARS | Publication request: History of model development at Temple, TX

Submitted to: Hydrological Sciences Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: May 19, 2008
Publication Date: October 1, 2008
Citation: Williams, J.R., Arnold, J.G., Kiniry, J.R., Gassman, P.W., Rossi, C.G. 2008. History of model development at Temple, TX. Hydrological Sciences Journal. 53(5):948-960.

Interpretive Summary: Computer models have been developed at the Grassland, Soil and Water Research Lab in Temple for over 40 years. The models are being used to assess national conservation and environmental programs and to develop land management plans to solve local water quality problems. This paper gives a history of the modeling effort at Temple and suggests future needs and directions for future development.

Technical Abstract: Model development at Temple, Texas, USA has a long history. Prior to the actual model develop-ment research, a hydrological data collection programme was established at Riesel, Texas (about 60 km northeast of Temple) in 1937. Data collected from the Riesel watersheds during 1937–2006 have been valuable in developing and testing models at Temple, as well as at other locations. Actual modelling research began in the mid-1960s with the development of single event models that served as building blocks for the comprehensive models of today. The focus of the early models was on surface water hydrology (rainfall excess, unit hydrographs and flood routing) and sediment yield. The models currently supported at Temple (ALMANAC, EPIC, APEX and SWAT) are continuous and operate on spatial scales ranging from individual fields to river basins. These models have been used worldwide in many projects dealing with soil and water resources and environmental management.