Simulation of flow and effects of best-management practices in the upper Seco Creek basin, south-central Texas, 1991-98

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2002-4249
In cooperation with the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
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Abstract

The Hydrological Simulation Program— FORTRAN model was used to assess the effects of two best-management practices—brush management (removal of woody species locally known as cedar) and weather modification (rainfall enhancement)—on selected hydrologic processes in six subbasins that compose the upper Seco Creek Basin in south-central Texas. A parameter set for use with the model was developed to simulate surface-water-budget components for the six gaged subbasins.

Simulation of brush management, represented by decreases in simulated evapotranspiration of 5 to 6 percent, resulted in increases of 1 to 47 percent in annual runoff and increases of 14 to 48 percent in surface runoff for the six subbasins. Simulation of weather modification, represented by a 10-percent increase in rainfall totals and intensities, resulted in increases of 5 to 6 percent in evapotranspiration, increases of 2 to 92 percent in annual runoff, and increases of 36 to 101 percent in surface runoff.

Rainfall and runoff data for the study were collected during January 1, 1991–September 30, 1998. Data from 60 storms were used for the simulations. The model was calibrated with data from 33 storms (in two subbasins) and tested with data from 27 storms (in four subbasins). Twenty-one pervious land segments were defined for the study on the basis of geology and land cover. An error analysis and a sensitivity analysis were done on each subbasin, and the results were used to develop the final parameter set.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Simulation of flow and effects of best-management practices in the upper Seco Creek basin, south-central Texas, 1991-98
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2002-4249
DOI 10.3133/wri024249
Year Published 2002
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Texas Water Science Center
Description HTML Document; Report: iii, 22 p.
Country United States
State Texas
Other Geospatial Upper Seco Creek basin
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