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Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting Model (SAC-SMA)

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Jason
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The SAC-SMA is a continuous soil moisture accounting model with spatially lumped parameters that simulates runoff within a basin. The model divides the basin into lower and upper zones at different depths, and defines the distribution of moisture, i.e., tension water components (driven by evapotranspiration and diffusion) and free water components (driven by gravitational forces) in each of these two zones via a set of parameters. The model uses precipitation and evapotranspiration time series input, along with parameters on soil moisture states and the basin’s relative permeability to estimate the amount of water that enters, is stored in, and leaves the basin.

This model is implemented in GoldSim to assist with computing watershed runoff using precipitation as the main driver. You can use other GoldSim models to plug into this one such as WGEN to generate the precipitation and the Hamon Evaporation model for the potential ET.

Additional Information:

 Below is a screen capture of the model.

mceclip0.png

Below is a schematic representation of the generalized hydrologic model. This was obtained from the conceptual model documentation found here.

 mceclip1.png

Be sure to click the "Follow" button on this article so you are notified when changes are made to the model.

Download the model files:

Tags:

  • watershed
  • flows
  • runoff
  • hydrology
  • discharge
  • evapotranspiration
  • soil
  • sacramento
  • infiltration
  • percolation
  • subsurface

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4 comments

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  • Avatar
    Jason

    Version update:

    Version 1.034

    1. Updated validation time series

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  • Avatar
    Jason
    • Edited

    Version update:

    Version 2.002

    1. Removed script algorithm and replaced it with GoldSim elements to better conceptualize the model.
    2. Added validation against the Australian RRL Toolkit model results

     

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  • Avatar
    Jason
    • Edited

    Version update:

    Version 2.017

    1. Fixed a bug in percolation limits
    2. Reformatted the dashboard
    3. Reformatted the results display
    4. Allow for up to 4 days of unit hydrograph time points
    5. Apply ADIMP fraction to Tension overflow instead of direct rainfall
    6. Remove impervious store as this is not used
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  • Avatar
    Jason

    Version Update:

    Version 2.102

    1. Moved model logic into a single script element for faster execution and compact structure. This change should make it easier to port into other models
    2. Added verification test that compares to output of R source code found here.
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