The WET-Temp (Watershed Evaluation Tool Temperature) model is designed to
take advantage of spatially explicit datasets to predict stream temperature
distribution. Datasets describing vegetation cover, stream network locations,
elevation and stream discharge are utilized by WET-Temp to quantify geometric
relationships between the sun, stream channel and riparian areas. These
relationships are used to estimate the energy gained or lost by the stream via
various heat flux processes (solar and longwave radiation, evaporation, convection
and advection). The sum of these processes is expressed as a differential energy
balance equation applied at discrete locations across the stream network. The
model describes diurnal temperature dynamics at each of these locations and thus
temperature distribution across the entire network. WET-Temp is calibrated to a
tributary of the South Santiam River in western Oregon, McDowell Creek. The
mean differences between measured and modeled values in McDowell Creek were
0.6��C for daily maximum temperature and 1.3��C for daily minimum temperature.
The model was then used to predict maximum and minimum temperatures in an
adjacent tributary, Hamilton Creek. The mean differences between modeled and
measured values in this paired basin were 1.8��C for daily maximum temperatures
and 1.4��C for daily minimum temperatures. Influences of model parameters on
modeled temperature distributions are explored in a sensitivity analysis. The
ability of WET-Temp to utilize spatially explicit datasets in estimating temperature
distributions across stream networks advances the state of the art in modeling
stream temperature. / Graduation date: 2003
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/32034 |
| Date | 08 April 2002 |
| Creators | Cox, Matthew M. |
| Contributors | Bolte, John P. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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