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National Weather Service |
Identify and define basin geomorphological characteristics, channel characteristics, and.ASOShuman-related effects as they apply to hydrologic modeling and the development of hydrologic forecast procedures.
Calibration of a hydrologic model requires a knowledge of basin and channel characteristics.
1. Apply basic concepts of geomorphology during the calibration process.
2. Know how basin geomorphology affects streamflow characteristics and the occurrence of flooding in the local service area.
3. Utilize various sources of geographic data sets to understand and determine basin characteristics such as:
4. Use Geographic Information System (GIS) and related applications to display and produce basin characteristics and related data.
Instructional Component 1.1: - Web Module (Proposed): Fluvial Geomorphology. This module will cover geomorphological aspects which need to be accounted for when calibrating a hydrologic model, including:
Instructional Component 1.2: - Commercially-Provided Training: Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) provides over 35 instructor-led courses that teach GIS concepts, explore GIS applications, and train people to use ESRI GIS software and related technologies. ESRI regularly teaches these courses at over 30 sites in the U.S. and will travel to other locations (e.g., NWSTC) to provide many of these courses for up to 12 students at a cost proportional to the course length. Course length varies from one to five days. Courses currently offered by ESRI which are of potential use to Hydrologic Services Program staff are:A catalog with detailed descriptions of each course currently offered can be found at http://www.ersi.com/training/training.html.
Instructional Component 1.3 - Commercially-Provided Training: Geographic Information Systems (GIS). ESRI provides several on-line GIS courses, most at the nominal fee of $100 (range: $20 - $160). They are typically divided into four to six learning modules, the first of which is free in most courses. For registered students requiring it, a copy of ArcView GIS Virtual Campus Edition software can be downloaded for free. Web-based courses currently offered by ESRI which are of potential use to Hydrologic Services Program staff (with number of modules making up the course and time required per module) are:
A description of each ESRI course, and the entry point for individual on-line courses, can be found at: http://campus.esri.com/.
Instructional Component 1.4 - Workshop: Advanced GIS. This workshop covers operational use of GIS-based tools used in the NWS hydrology program (e.g., Integrated Hydrologic Automated Basin Boundary System [IHABBS], ArcView, ArcInfo, Calibration Assistance Program [CAP], Threshold Runoff [ThreshR]). This workshop will build upon basic GIS training and provide an opportunity for RFCs and other NWS entities to share current developments in GIS-based tools and help chart a future development path which maximizes benefits and minimizes duplication of efforts. Topics covered in this workshop will include:
Attendees will be able to interact with instructor(s) and provide requirements on the future direction of GIS in the Hydrologic Services Program.
Instructional Component 1.5 - Documentation: Calibration Assistance Program (CAP). This documentation describes the geographic and climatological information accessible through this ArcView-based application and provides instructions on how to obtain the information.
Instructional Component 1.6 - Local Case Studies: Effects of Basin Geomorphology. At each office, a focal point will develop unique local cases or create other exercises that allow forecasters to demonstrate their knowledge of the most important local effects of basin geomorphology on hydrologic characteristics.
Instructional Component 1.7 - Station-led Training: GIS Software. At each office, the DOH (for RFCs), or the SOO or Service Hydrologist (for WFOs) will ensure that GIS software is readily available and appropriately utilized by forecasters. RFCs will compile basin geomorphological information for their service areas and make it readily available to forecasters both at the WFOs and the RFC.
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