Potential Data Management Problems to use for Semester-Long Project
Search out, download, and input required data into a Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) system model or other watershed hydrology or water quality model and evaluate changes in land use, water use, or climate.
Develop an empirical model for the prediction of Logan River streamflow (peak, annual volume, spring runoff volume) based on available precipitation and snow data. An analysis that combines information from SNOTEL, NCDC precipitation, NOHRSC SNODAS, DEM, Land Use/Land Cover, USGS Streamflow, NWS CBRFC, etc.
Assess and quantify the impacts of water use on inflows to the Great Salt Lake (or one of the contributing basins). Required integration of data on Natural Hydrology as well as diversions, consumptive uses, transfers, etc.
Assess the impacts of retreating glaciers on Water Resources in parts of the world where streamflow is glacier fed, e.g. northern Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park and Wyoming, Himalaya's, South America. Could combine information from remote sensing on glacier extent and properties, climate forecasts (ICPP and various downscaling activities) and draw upon application of UEB snowmelt model for glacier melt evaluation.
Assess the potential for water shortage in a major river basin due to increasing demand and climate change (e.g., the Colorado River basin). Combine information from streamflow, storage, land use/land cover. Climate change and downscaling (ICPP etc). Could draw upon Barnett and Pierce Lake Mead going dry work.
Assess the trends and patterns in streamflow in parts of the world and associations with climate, (e.g., shifts in volume and timing of spring runoff in association with climate change, ENSO, PDO etc.). Requires combination of data from multiple sources to do the analysis.