A coupled 2D-3D catchment-lake model with a parallel processing framework

Abstract

Modeling catchment-lake interactions is computationally demanding, usually requiring coupled numerical models and parallel processing capabilities. However, models with these requirements are still rare. In this paper, we developed a coupled 2D-3D model for lake catchments using a parallel scheme that leverages processing power of GPU and multiple CPUs. The model allows for hydrodynamic simulation applications considering diffuse water flows at the interface between the catchment and the lake. We coupled the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) with a two-dimensional shallow water model and test it on the Peri Lake Catchment in southern Brazil. The results revealed the ability of the model simulate lake water levels as well as the diffuse inputs of water and solutes, providing the possibility of its use in lake and reservoir water management.