System Dynamics Watershed Model

Mining of oil sands in the sub-humid region ofNorthern Alberta, Canada causes large-scale landscapedisturbance, which subsequently requires extensivereclamation to re-establish the surface andsubsurface hydrology. In order to replicate thehydrological behavior, assess the sustainability, andtrace the evolution of reconstructed watersheds overtime, a suitable modeling tool is required. In thisbook, a system dynamics based model isconstructed to simulate the hydrological processes inthe reconstructed watersheds and to assess theirability to provide the various watershed functions.The System Dynamics Watershed Model (SDWM) is capableof simulating vertical and lateral water movement,surface runoff and evapotranspiration. The studypresented in this book is useful for miningindustries, water professionals and consultants, andwatershed modelers.