The RVIC Streamflow Routing model is a simple source to sink routing model. The model represents each grid cell by a node in the channel network. Unit hydrographs are developed that described the time distribution of flow from each source grid cell to a corresponding sink grid cell. The development of the unit hydrographs is done as a pre process step (i.e. make_parameters.py). The final step is the convolution of the unit hydrographs with fluxes from a land surface model, typically VIC (i.e. rvic_model.py).

Examples of all configuration files can be found in RVIC/config/ directory

./fraction2domain.bash fraction_file.asc

*** note that only C program format files are currently supported

./uhs2paramfile.py config_file.cfg

./make_parameters.py config_file.cfg -np $N_PROCESSORS

where $N_PROCESSORS is the number of processors to be used. This uses the Python multiprocessing module.

./rvic_model.py config_file.cfg

1. Based on the initial model of Lohmann, et al., 1996, Tellus, 48(A), 708-721
2. Currently being coupled as a componenet model in the Comunity Earth System Model (RASM) as part of the Regional Arctic System Model Project.

1. Write core convolution routine in C for speed.
2. History file restarts to further support short model runs.
3. Possible distributed application to support full grid routing (rather than source to sink only).
4. Plans to couple directly to VIC.