Linesink-maker

Linesink-maker generates streamflow routing networks from hydrography data to produce linesink string inputs for the GFLOW analytic element program, enabling integration of surface water boundary conditions into groundwater models.

Key Features:

• Automation and Efficiency: Automates creation of linesink string inputs for the GFLOW analytic element program from hydrography data, greatly reducing manual processing time.
• Error Reduction and Reproducibility: Minimizes manual-input errors and enhances reproducibility of groundwater–surface water boundary condition generation.
• Flexibility in Network Detailing: Allows definition of nearfield, mid-field, and farfield areas via polygon shapefiles and adjusts linesink resolution with per-area distance tolerance parameters, with farfield segments optionally assigned zero resistance.
• Integration with Existing Models: Produces GFLOW-compatible linesink inputs that complement SFRmaker outputs and the MODFLOW SFR package, supporting step-wise modeling and reducing dependence on specific conceptual models or discretizations.
• NHDPlus-derived LinesinkData: Generates LinesinkData from NHDPlus hydrography as the primary input source.

Scientific Applications:

• Surface water–groundwater interaction modeling: Represents streamflow routing and surface water boundary conditions for studies of groundwater–surface water exchange.
• Regional and local-scale analysis: Supports modeling workflows at scales ranging from county-level projects to multi-state analyses.
• Model comparison and workflow integration: Facilitates step-wise modeling and comparison across conceptual models and discretizations to advance understanding of water cycle dynamics.

Methodology:

Defines stream network areas using polygon shapefiles and generates LinesinkData from NHDPlus hydrography, with network granularity controlled by per-area distance tolerance parameters.