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Representation of Surface-Water Flows Using Gradient-Related Discharge in an Everglades Network

Scientific Investigations Report 2024-5041
Water Availability and Use Science Program
Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245041

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Abstract

The Everglades Depth Estimation Network interpolates water-level gage data to produce daily water-level elevations for the Everglades in south Florida. These elevations were used to estimate flow vectors (gradients and directions) and volumetric flow rates using the Gradient-Related Discharge in an Everglades Network (GARDEN) application developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Flow rates in both the east-west and north-south directions were computed on a 400-meter square grid using modified parameters in the Manning’s equation. The frictional resistance parameter in the Manning’s equation was calibrated to measured flow rates at coastal creeks fed by Everglades Depth Estimation Network boundary flows. Levees and other features that act as barriers to flow were defined as “no-flow” grid cells where vectors were set to zero.

The flow volume magnitudes were calibrated with 2020 daily values of coastal river flows, and verification was performed using 2021 data. Within a given day, the measured coastal river flows fluctuate more than the GARDEN boundary flows because of tidal and wind forcings. Because the GARDEN boundary flows were the upstream water source for the coastal rivers, calibration focused on matching average daily flow volumes rather than daily fluctuations. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient is 0.766 for the 2020 calibration period and 0.566 for the 2021 verification period.

Applying GARDEN to periods with hydraulic-control-structure releases allows the propagation of structure flows to be seen in the daily flow-vector maps along with the multiday response of flows farther downgradient. Flow vectors may be overestimated near control structures because of difficulties in resolving the water gradient downstream from the structure. Flow vectors farther from the structure are more accurate than those near the structure.

Suggested Citation

Swain, E., and Adams, T., 2024, Representation of surface-water flows using Gradient-Related Discharge in an Everglades Network: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2024–5041, 19 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20245041.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Previous Development of the Everglades Depth Estimation Network (EDEN)
  • Methodology
  • Implementation of GARDEN Python Version 3.12.3 Script (App)
  • Results
  • Limitations
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Representation of surface-water flows using Gradient-Related Discharge in an Everglades Network
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2024-5041
DOI 10.3133/sir20245041
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center
Description Report: vi, 19 p.;2 Data Releases; Database; Software Release
Country United States
State Florida
Other Geospatial Everglades
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details