Abstract
National Application of New England SPARROW Catchment Delineation Method Track: Water Resources Author(s): Richard Moore, Craig Johnston The New England SPARROW catchment delineation method is being applied to the conterminous United States to produce topographically-based catchments for reaches of the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD). SPARROW refers to Spatially Referenced Regressions on Watershed Attributes, and the New England SPARROW model was the first to utilize the NHD as the underlying stream-reach network. Catchments are derived using a modified digital elevation model that enforces drainage to the stream reaches. Another national product, the Watershed Boundary Dataset, is integrated into the process to ensure consistency of watershed divides. The catchments provide a companion product to the national 1:100,000 scale NHD. Hydrologic derivative grids, flow estimates for each reach, and catchment attributes will be produced. In 2004 the catchment delineation method was compared with three other techniques for six physiographically distinct basins across the nation. Results of the tests showed that the New England method produced the most accurate results. Richard Moore U.S. Geological Survey 361 Commerce Way Pembroke , NH 03275 US Phone: 603-226-7825 E-mail: rmoore@usgs.gov Craig Johnston U.S. Geological Survey 361 Commerce Way Pembroke , NH 03275 US Phone: 603-226-7800 E-mail: cmjohnst@usgs.gov |