(This is an outline prepared for the course delivered at Riversymposium 2008.)
WaterCAST (the Water and Contaminant Analysis and Simulation Tool) is a software product for whole-of-catchment modelling.
This tool has been developed to facilitate the improved and consistent evaluation of flows, loads and concentrations of constituents, under scenarios that include actual or planned changes in land use, land management, climate variability and climate change.
WaterCAST is a modelling framework that allows modellers and researchers to construct models by selecting and linking component models from a range of available choices.
This course provides ...
...a conceptual structure for modelling with WaterCAST, a brief overview of the role and purposes of whole-of-catchment modelling. Information about catchment model components, data requirements and options, and the design of a WaterCAST model.
WaterCAST offers a flexible approach to whole-of-catchment modelling, allowing selection and linking of models of a complexity appropriate to the management questions being addressed, and the available data and knowledge.
What benefits will you gain from attending?
After completing the course, you will be familiar with:- The concepts underlying WaterCAST
- Operation of WaterCAST
- Selection of appropriate component models for whole-of-catchment modelling
- Design of WaterCAST models for catchment management.
- The purpose and requirements of catchment modelling, and the types of models used.
The course should show you how to use WaterCAST to predict the flow and loads of constituents (such as sediment and nutrients) at any point in a river network over time.
Should you attend?
Yes, if you are exploring catchment behaviour at the whole of catchment scale, including catchment load targets, water quality, land-use change and water allocation issues. You may be, for example, a consultant, on the staff of a water-management agency, or a researcher - i.e. in any organisation related to water and/or environmental resources or management.
Prerequisites and equipment needed for the course
- Familiarity with the concepts of hydrology, water resource modelling and whole-of-catchment modelling.
- A laptop computer for which you have local administrator rights for installing and uninstalling software.