ALBERT

Description: Uncertainty in hydrological modeling is of significant concern due to its effects on prediction and subsequent application in watershed management. Similar to other distributed hydrological models, model uncertainty is an issue in applying the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Previous research has shown how SWAT predictions are affected by uncertainty in parameter estimation and input data resolution. Nevertheless, little information is available on how parameter uncertainty and output uncertainty are affected by input data of varying complexity. In this study, SWAT-Hillslope (SWAT-HS), a modified version of SWAT capable of predicting saturation-excess runoff, was applied to assess the effects of input data with varying degrees of complexity on parameter uncertainty and output uncertainty. Four digital elevation model (DEM) resolutions (1, 3, 10 and 30 m) were tested for their ability to predict streamflow and saturated areas. In a second analysis, three soil maps and three land use maps were used to build nine SWAT-HS setups from simple to complex (fewer to more soil types/land use classes), which were then compared to study the effect of input data complexity on model prediction/output uncertainty. The case study was the Town Brook watershed in the upper reaches of the West Branch Delaware River in the Catskill region, New York, USA. Results show that DEM resolution did not impact parameter uncertainty or affect the simulation of streamflow at the watershed outlet but significantly affected the spatial pattern of saturated areas, with 10m being the most appropriate grid size to use for our application. The comparison of nine model setups revealed that input data complexity did not affect parameter uncertainty. Model setups using intermediate soil/land use specifications were slightly better than the ones using simple information, while the most complex setup did not show any improvement from the intermediate ones. We conclude that improving input resolution and complexity may not necessarily improve model performance or reduce parameter and output uncertainty, but using multiple temporal and spatial observations can aid in finding the appropriate parameter sets and in reducing prediction/output uncertainty.

Description: Uncertainty in hydrological and water quality modelling is of significant concern due to its effects on prediction and subsequent application in watershed management. Similar to other distributed hydrological models, model uncertainty is an issue in applying the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Previous research has shown how SWAT predictions are affected by uncertainty in parameter estimation and input data resolution. Nevertheless, little information is available on how parameter uncertainty and output uncertainty are affected by input data of varying complexity. In this study, SWAT-Hillslope (SWAT-HS), a modified version of SWAT capable of predicting saturation excess runoff was applied to assess the effects of input data with varying degrees of complexity on parameter uncertainty and output uncertainty. Four digital elevation model (DEM) resolutions (1, 3, 10 and 30 m) were tested for their ability to predict streamflow and saturated areas. In a second analysis, three soil maps and three land use maps were used to build nine SWAT-HS setups from simple to complex (fewer to more soil types/ land use classes), which were then compared to study the effect of input data complexity on model prediction/output uncertainty. The case study was the Town Brook watershed in the upper reaches of the West Branch Delaware River in the Catskill Region, New York, USA. Results show that DEM resolution did not impact parameter uncertainty or affect the simulation of streamflow at the watershed outlet but significantly affected the spatial pattern of saturated areas, with 10 m being the most appropriate grid size to use for our application. The comparison of nine model setups revealed that input data complexity did not affect parameter uncertainty. Model setups using intermediate soil/land use specifications were slightly better than the ones using simple information, while the most complex setup did not show any improvement from the intermediate ones. We conclude that increasing spatial input details may not necessarily improve model performance or reduce parameter and output uncertainty, but using multiple temporal and spatial observations can aid in finding the appropriate parameter sets and in reducing prediction/output uncertainty.

Description: Sightings of right whales, Eubalaena glacialis, in Massachusetts waters have been recorded by workers at Woods Hole Oceanographic In stitution since 1955. These observations do not represent a census, because emphasis was placed on studying the whales' underwater sounds and other activities. The number of yearly sightings varied from 2 to 165. Observations were made from aircraft, boats, and occasionally from shore.

Description: Prepared for the Office of Naval Research under Contract N00014-79-C-0071; NR 083-004.

Description: The 23 October to 13 November 1979 Venezuelan radio tagging and tracking experiments on whales (Balaenoptera edeni, Fig. 1) provided essential field tests of the new modifications to the WHOI radio whale tag (see list of tag reports), and the chance to try it on a new species. We found that we could approach and tag these whales from a slow (4 to 6 kt) vessel. Good radio tracking with automatic direction finding equipment was possible within 12 to 20 km, with longer ranges probable. In addition, the radio tags provided new information about the behavior of these whales.

Description: Prepared for the Office of Naval Research under Contract N00014-79-C-OO71; NR 083-004.

Description: A comprehensive Reference Database has been designed for the marine mammal literature. The system uses INMAGIC programming (Cambridge, MA) to file, store, search, retrieve, and format the data records. The database was organized to be complementary to features developed by William E. Schevill for his library of older cetacean literature, and it uses direct association of species with some 300 indexed subjects, observation dates, locations, etc. Every component and detail of the references and annotations are available for rapid search by a wide variety of simple and complex strategies. In addition, separately indexed fields provide immediate retrieval of author, editor, year, journal, type of publication, language, genus/species (searchable by order/suborder and family as well), major subject, subject, picture, observation date, geographic location (including area name and latitude/longitude), as well as the location and library call numbers of the document referred to. Codes have been adapted for ease in identifying and searching species, subjects, journals, languages, and geographic areas. These codes may be used separately or in connection with the associated terms and texts. It is anticipated that the Reference Database will be a continuing resource for marine mammal research.

Description: Support for beginning work on the Database was by The Marine Mammal Commission and by The National Marine Fisheries Service