Simulation Models

Simulation models have become an integral part of watershed assessment, planning and analysis. World Water Watch experts have developed and utilized many simulation models at all levels: field-scale, in-stream, watershed, and river basin. Monitoring strategies and related use of models for watershed management decisions are typically linked by the quality of in-stream sampling and land-use data. WWW evaluates model suitability for specific watershed applications and always examines verification, calibration and validation processes for model suitability and accuracy.

Examples of the types of simulation models being used include:

Model My Watershed

“Model My Watershed” (MMW) is a watershed-modeling WEB APP that enables individuals, watershed associations, conservation organizations, decision-makers, educators and students to:

-Analyze land use impacts on watershed water quantity and quality parameters.
-Model runoff and water quality impacts using professional grade models.
-Compare conservation practices, scenarios and land use changes that could modify overland flow and associated water quality.

“Model My Watershed” is a tool co-developed by Dr. Barry Evans at the Stroud Water Research Centre and is a component of Stroud’s “WikiWatershed” initiative.

Agent-based Models

“Agent-based models” (ABM) simulate the actions and interactions of autonomous agents. The agents can be individual or collective entities such as organizations or groups. The objective of ABM is to estimate the impact of individual or collective entities on the system as a whole. World Water Watch utilizes ABM to evaluate how changes in individual behaviors affect an ecosystem’s overall behavior. This approach is particularly helpful in WWW’s biodiversity applications.