Challenges in Continental River Dynamics

Continental River Dynamics (CRD) is herein defined as modelling the flow dynamics in all channels of a continental-scale river basin using the physics-based Saint-Venant equations. At the boundary of hydraulics and hydrology, CRD requires significant collaborative efforts to make new progress. Six constraints and seven challenges are identified in the areas of dynamics, dimensionality, resolution, uncertainty, model coupling, and data availability. Three key short-term needs for CRD are identified as (1) scaling up Saint-Venant river models to continental scales, (2) standards for integrating river and hydrology models, and (3) methods for effective use of lidar data and synthetic methods for approximating geometry for 1D dynamic models. An over-arching need for comprehensive data collection programs for river geometry is discussed. NOTICE: This is the author’s version of a work that has been accepted for publication in Environmental Modelling & Software. This Accepted Author Manuscript is being published online at the author’s website in accordance with the journal’s policies at http://www.elsevier.com/about/open-access/open-access-policies/ article-posting-policy\#accepted-author-manuscript. Note that changes resulting from the publishing process, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. 1. “A river runs through it”