MODELING RIVER SPILLS USING THE NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHY DATASET PLUS

摘要

ICWater is GIS-based tool and includes the NHDPlus, a hydrologically connected river network that contains over 3 million reach segments in the United States. This allows for both downstream and upstream network navigation. Mean flow and velocity has been calculated by the USGS and EPA for each reach. The tool provides real-time assessments of the travel and dispersion of contaminants in streams and rivers. The model deals with human pathogens, toxic chemicals and radioactive substances. Stream and river flows used in ICWater are derived from web accessible real-time gauging stations maintained throughout the country by the USGS. Example databases available within ICWater include: dams, reservoirs, public drinking water intakes, stream gages, municipal and industrial dischargers and transportation networks. A contaminant database is also included which identifies biological, chemical and radiological constituents of concern.