Raven-Temp: Modelling the temperature of watercourses using Raven
This project aims to implement and evaluate the thermal simulation module of the Raven hydrological modelling framework to simulate water temperature in the Ouelle River watershed. The feasibility of applying this model to future climates throughout southern Quebec can then be evaluated.
Project details
Principal(s) investigator(s)
Context
The Raven hydrological modelling system has recently been enhanced with a thermal simulation module that provides the opportunity to implement a process-based model to project water temperature in southern Quebec for a future version of the Hydroclimatic Atlas of Southern Québec. However, a comprehensive evaluation of Raven’s thermal simulation module is needed because it has only been implemented a few times to date, mostly for small mountainous watersheds in western Canada.
Objective(s)
To implement the Raven HBV-EC model, including the thermal simulation module, to simulate water hydrology and temperature in a medium-sized, well-measured watershed in a temperate climate typical of southern Quebec: the Ouelle River watershed
To complete a rigorous diagnostic assessment of the water temperature module for the Ouelle River using detailed water flow and temperature observations
To establish the model’s data needs and the feasibility of implementing the model throughout southern Quebec
Methodology
Collection of observed data and/or reanalyses of flows, water temperature, precipitation and temperature for the Ouelle River watershed
Implementation and calibration of the Raven HBV-EC model, including the thermal simulation module, for this watershed
Historical simulation and evaluation of model performance using performance indicators such as the RMSE, as well as heat signatures
Study of the feasibility of implementing this model throughout southern Quebec, in terms of (i) the amount of data available for calibration, (ii) the preprocessing of inputs to estimate the conditions above the river, (iii) the positions of measuring stations (e.g., at hydrometric stations), and (iv) transferring the parameters to other watersheds
Expected results
A thermal simulation of the Ouelle River watershed with the Raven modelling system
A framework for the diagnostic evaluation of this thermal modelling
A general assessment of the issues and opportunities in the implementation of the thermal simulation module in Raven to model water temperature throughout southern Quebec
Funding
Other participants
Co-researchers :
James Craig, University of Waterloo
Jason Leach, Ressources naturelles Canada
Partners :
Université Laval
INRS
MELCCFP
Related projects
715100
