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Systematic comparison of 1D and 2D hydrodynamic models for the assessment of hydropeaking alterations
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  • Matthias Bürgler,
  • David F. Vetsch,
  • Robert Boes,
  • Davide Vanzo
Matthias Bürgler
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Versuchsanstalt fur Wasserbau Hydrologie und Glaziologie

Corresponding Author:buergler@vaw.baug.ethz.ch

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David F. Vetsch
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Versuchsanstalt fur Wasserbau Hydrologie und Glaziologie
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Robert Boes
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Versuchsanstalt fur Wasserbau Hydrologie und Glaziologie
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Davide Vanzo
Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich Versuchsanstalt fur Wasserbau Hydrologie und Glaziologie
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Abstract

Numerical hydrodynamic models enable the simulation of hydraulic conditions under various scenarios and are thus suitable tools for hydropeaking related assessments. However, the choice of the necessary model complexity and the consequences of modelling choices are not trivial and only few guidelines exist. In this study we systematically evaluate numerical one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) hydrodynamic models with varying spatial resolution regarding their suitability as input for hydropeaking-sensitive, ecologically relevant hydraulic parameters (ERHPs), and their computational efficiency. The considered ERHPs include the vertical dewatering velocity, the wetted area variation between base and peak flow and the bed shear stress as a proxy for macroinvertebrate drift. We then also quantified the habitat suitability of brown trout for different life stages. The evaluation is conducted for three channel planforms with morphological characteristics representative for regulated Alpine rivers, ranging from alternating bars to a braiding river morphology. Our results suggest, that while a highly resolved 1D model is sufficient for accurate predictions of the dewatering velocity and wetted area in the less complex alternating bar morphology, a 2D model is recommended for more complex wandering or braiding morphologies. For the prediction of habitat suitability and bed shear stress, a 1D model appears to be always insufficient, and a highly resolved 2D model is suggested. Reducing the spatial resolution of 2D models leads to computational efficiency similar to 1D, while providing more accurate results. This study can serve as guideline for researchers and practitioners in the selection and setup of hydrodynamic models for hydropeaking.
01 Feb 2022Submitted to River Research and Applications
01 Feb 2022Submission Checks Completed
01 Feb 2022Assigned to Editor
03 Feb 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Feb 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
29 Mar 2022Editorial Decision: Revise Major
27 Jun 20221st Revision Received
27 Jun 2022Submission Checks Completed
27 Jun 2022Assigned to Editor
27 Jun 2022Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
04 Jul 2022Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Aug 2022Editorial Decision: Accept
13 Sep 2022Published in River Research and Applications. 10.1002/rra.4051