DEVELOPMENT OF A STABLE WATER ISOTOPE AIDED HYDROLOGICAL MODEL: ISO-SMR

Constanza Anthea Kremer

Understanding the relationships between biophysical components is crucial to creating integrated management solutions to complex systems facing environmental challenges. This thesis considers a water resource system and a biological system. In Chapter 2, I developed an isotope-aided version of the Soil Moisture Routing SMR model, a GIS-based hydrology model (iso-SMR). Using observed precipitation and streamflow hydrometric and isotopic data in the Crumarine Creek watershed in Idaho, I evaluated the main hydrological processes driving the timing and sources of streamflow and assessed the representation of internal catchment processes inferred from isotopic observations. In Chapter 3, I present a community-engaged approach to developing a system dynamics model that simulates the Western Ridged Mussel life cycle. I co-developed this model with Dr. Alexa Maine using Stella Architect. Chapter 2 showed snow accumulation and melt were the main contributors to saturation-excess runoff generation and peak flows, while baseflow drove streamflow during the summer, accompanied by drying soils and large evapotranspiration effects. Isotopic and water age analysis showed considerable dampening of event water and considerable mixing of young water with older water stored in the subsurface. Comparison of two soil mixing models highlighted the essential role of antecedent soil moisture and subsurface storage to streamflow generation and mixing mechanisms in the watershed. Chapter 3 showed the Western Ridged Mussel’s dependence on sculpin fish population dynamics, a lag in the adult mussel population’s response to changes, and the sensitivity of adult mussel mortality to factors other than longevity. The model includes an educational game option, available via https://exchange.iseesystems.com/public/constanza-kremer/western-ridged-mussel-life-cycle. Although adjustments and further research are needed, iso-SMR proved to be a novel and parsimonious approach to isotope-aided hydrological modeling that requires minimal calibration. Such models ultimately can lead to broad use in water resources management and evaluation of future climate and land use. The Western Ridged Mussel life cycle model resulted in a tool that supports efforts to restore and improve awareness of native freshwater mussel populations in the western USA.

DEVELOPMENT OF A STABLE WATER ISOTOPE AIDED HYDROLOGICAL MODEL: ISO-SMR

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