SOFIA - Poster - Simulation of Seasonal Inundation Patterns in the South Florida Everglades - Accuracy and Conclusions (printable version)

Simulation of Seasonal Inundation Patterns in the South Florida Everglades

Simulation Accuracy

Accuracy is of concern due to the sparseness of data, small grid values (water-surface elevations and water depths), and multiple sources of data. To estimate cumulative error from all data sources that contribute to the simulated water depth, measured depths were compared to gridded water depths. The mean difference between measured and gridded depths is 0.03m, with a standard deviation of 0.12m.


Locations of water depths measured in the model area, September 1997 and 1999. [larger image]	Cumulative error estimated by the difference between measured and modeled water depths. [larger image]

Conclusions

Seasonal variation in inundation patterns and the timely response to rainfall events and control structure releases are well illustrated by the water-depth maps. The hydroperiod maps allow a quantitative analysis of annual inundation. Visual and quantitative analysis will be useful to discern temporal changes in inundation patterns, particularly as these may have been affected by anthropogenic influences such as the management of control structure releases and the re-engineering of canals.

Acknowledgments

Data were provided by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), the National Park Service - Everglades National Park (ENP), and the USGS - Water Resources Division.

Sample water-depth maps and graphic sequences are available at the Tides and Inflows in the Mangroves of the Everglades (TIME) website.

Related information:

SOFIA Project: Interrelation of Everglades Hydrology and Florida Bay Dynamics to Ecosystem Processes and Restoration in South Florida

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Last updated: 23 December, 2004 @ 09:40 AM (KP)