Start of funding 01.07.2023

Development and application of a novel coupling approach of two open-source eco-hydrological models to support water resources management

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Markus Disse
Technische Universität München
Chair of Hydrology and River Basin Mangement

Ph.D. Scott E. Boyce
US Geological Survey (USGS)
California Water Survey



The two eco-hydrological models MODFLOW-OWHM & SWAT+ are recognized tools in the field of ground- and surface water flow and both used in agriculture to estimate crop yields. While the USGS focuses on the model development of MODFLOW-OWHM, TUM can draw on a long-lasting experience in the application of SWAT+. However, both are often used concurrently for similar tasks. As both have strengths, there is a huge potential for synergies which is not fully exhausted. Thus, the project aims to identify shortcomings and strengths of both models in the field of water resources management, to analyze the feasibility of implementing new technical features within both models and to technically realize them or to test coupling possibilities. Case studies are for example the Central Valley in California or Bavaria and Central Asia. The example applications exhibit multiple scales, different purposes and diverse challenge and serve as benchmarks for potentially improved model versions, as existing models are already present. It is desired to provide improvements in the model capabilities and to enhance their field of application. A very concrete example is for example a missing glacier routine in SWAT+ which impairs its applicability especially in Central Asia. Another example is improved small-scale representations, such as individual fields, where the coupling of both models is expected to lead to significant advances in agricultural representations.