Methodology for the adaptation of Canadian physiographical data on the SWAT 'soil water assessment tool' water quality model

Use of dynamic models supports recent efforts to introduce integrated watershed management policies in Canada. A unique and largely transferable implementation of these models is needed to facilitate water management of priority watersheds. The objective of the current work is to adapt physiographic data to the water quality model SWAT (soil water assessment tool). Selection of a digital elevation model, a digitized stream network, land use and soil maps is required. An association between common land use classification in Canada and those defined in the SWAT database is proposed. A methodology to classify soil types is defined. The inherent subjectivity in the subdivision of the watershed into sub-basins, and in the hydrologic response unit distribution, and the sensitivity of the model's outputs to the level of detail of cartographic products used, are addressed.

Jaar van publicatie:2008