Year: 2010
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: This document describes the algorithms within the latest version of the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model.As a semi-distributed macroscale hydrological model, VIC balances both the water and surface energy within the grid cell; and its sub-grid variations are captured statistically.Distinguishing characteristics of the VIC model include: subgrid variability in land surface vegetation classes; subgrid variability in the soil moisture storage capacity; drainage from the lower soil moisture zone (base flow) as a nonlinear recession; and the inclusion of topography that allows for orographic precipitation and temperature lapse rates resulting in more realistic hydrology in mountainous regions.VIC uses a separate routing model based on a linear transfer function to simulate the streamflow.Adaptations to the routing model are implemented in VIC to allow representation of water management effects including reservoir operation and irrigation diversions and return flows.Since its existence, VIC has been well calibrated and validated in a number of large river basins over the continental US and the globe.Applications using the VIC model cover a variety of research areas.
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2926348616