Description

Hydrologic modeling is useful for flood, drought, and water resources management. The Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) Model uses inputs to better understand hydrological processes in near real-time. Many of the inputs are available from NASA remote sensing and Earth system models, allowing the model to provide soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and runoff as outputs. 

Together with precipitation data, these outputs provide quantitative assessment of a regional water budget. This introductory training hosted by NASA's Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET) will include an overview of the model, sources of satellite-derived input data, and implementation of the model.

Prerequisites

• Fundamentals of Remote Sensing

Objectives

By the end of the training, attendees will learn how to:

• Download, install, and use the VIC model
• Set up VIC for a watershed or river basin using remote sensing data inputs
• Analyze output water resource components.

Target Audience

This training is primarily intended for water resources professionals and disaster managers from local, state, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector. 

Course Format

• Three 1-hour sessions

Sessions

Part 1: Introduction to the VIC Hydrological Model

Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018

This session will cover an introduction to the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model, including an overview of VIC modules, computer hardware and software requirements, and an overview of inputs and outputs. 

Materials

• Part 1 Presentation Slides (PDF, 15.1 MB)
• Part 1 Q&A Transcript (PDF, 0.2 MB)

Materiales en Español

• Diapositivas de la Presentación de la parte 1 (PDF, 15.2 MB)

Part 2: Overview of Remote Sensing-Based Input Data for VIC

Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018

This session will go over the data preparation necessary, using the Mekong River Basin as an example. The session will also include a review of data sources, including MERRA temperature and winds; TRMM/GPM precipitation; SRTM terrain; and MODIS land cover, albedo, and leaf area index. 

Materials

• Part 2 Presentation Slides (PDF, 3.3 MB)
• Part 2 Q&A Transcript (PDF, 0.2 MB)

Materiales en Español

• Diapositivas de la Presentación de la parte 2 (PDF, 24.4 MB)

Part 3: Overview of VIC Implementation in a River Basin

This session will focus on implementing the VIC model, using the Mekong River Basin as an example. This will include calibration and validation, analysis of outputs, examples of applications, and a discussion on the advantages and limitations of VIC. 

Materials

• Part 3 Presentation Slides (PDF, 2.3 MB)
• Part 3 Q&A Transcript (PDF, 0.2 MB)
• Homework Assignment

Materiales en Español

• Diapositivas de la Presentación de la parte 3 (PDF, 2.3 MB)
• Tarea