The basin characterization model—A regional water balance software package

First posted March 22, 2021 For additional information, contact: Director,California Water Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey6000 J Street, Placer HallSacramento, California 95819 This report documents the computer software package, Basin Characterization Model, version 8 (BCMv8)—a monthly, gridded, regional water-balance model—and provides detailed operational instructions and example applications. After several years of many applications uses a previous version, CA-BCM, published in 2014, BCMv8 was refined to improve accuracy components, particularly recharge estimate, which is most difficult accurately assess. The improvement various components targeted actual evapotranspiration component, which, turn, reduced uncertainty estimate. this component enabled by availability national, gridded actual-evapotranspiration product from U.S. Survey that unique its scope combine remotely sensed spatial variability ground-based long-term constraints. dataset provided ability assess monthly for 62 vegetation types perform calibration watersheds throughout with objective closing water balance using improved estimates each component. refinements, including vegetation-specific evapotranspiration, development could explore aspects landscape disturbance, such as wildfire, forest management, or urbanization. improvements also sustainability resources under variety management future climate projections.