Hydrologic Modeling: Theory, Practice, and Future Directions
ESSIE, Water Resources Research Center, the Water Institute, and
the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences present
September 10 | 12:50 PM | NEB 100
Quantitative hydrologic modeling dates back to the middle of the
nineteenth century. In the intervening period up to the middle of the
1960s, mathematical models were developed for individual
hydrologic cycle components. These models were either empirical or
were based mostly on systems theory or wave theory. However, in
hydrologic practice in the real world, either empirical or systemsbased
models were predominantly employed and their employment
continues in many parts of the world till today. With the advent of
computer technology in the 1960s, the development of watershed
models started with the Stanford Watershed Model published by
Crawford and Linsley in 1966. In the subsequent two decades and a
half, a large number of watershed models were developed by
government agencies, universities, and private companies. If one
were to count, the number of watershed models will easily approach
50 or perhaps even 100. The evolution of hydrologic models can be
traced along four lines with overlapping chronology: (1)
development of component models, (2) development of model
science, (3) development owing to state and federal legislations, and
(4) development of computer technology. With the expanding
computing technology, emergence of information technology,
introduction of new modeling tools, and development of space
technology, watershed modeling entered into a new era. These days,
watershed models are much more than typical hydrology modelsthey
incorporate relevant aspects of allied sciences, such as
hydrometeorology, climate science, geology, ecology, agriculture,
sociology, risk analysis, and the like. This presentation will dwell
upon three main theories-systems, wave, and entropy-which
constitute the basis of most hydrologic component models. It then
goes on to discussing watershed models which integrate these
component models, modeling challenges, and future outlook and
directions in light of newly emerging areas and artificial intelligence.
Vijay Singh
Distinguished Professor
Biological & Agricultural Engineering
Texas A&M University
Hydrologic Modeling: Theory,
Practice, and Future Directions
ESSIE, Water Resources Research Center, the Water Institute, and
the Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences present
September 10 | 12:50 PM | NEB 100
Quantitative hydrologic modeling dates back to the middle of the
nineteenth century. In the intervening period up to the middle of the
1960s, mathematical models were developed for individual
hydrologic cycle components. These models were either empirical or
were based mostly on systems theory or wave theory. However, in
hydrologic practice in the real world, either empirical or systemsbased
models were predominantly employed and their employment
continues in many parts of the world till today. With the advent of
computer technology in the 1960s, the development of watershed
models started with the Stanford Watershed Model published by
Crawford and Linsley in 1966. In the subsequent two decades and a
half, a large number of watershed models were developed by
government agencies, universities, and private companies. If one
were to count, the number of watershed models will easily approach
50 or perhaps even 100. The evolution of hydrologic models can be
traced along four lines with overlapping chronology: (1)
development of component models, (2) development of model
science, (3) development owing to state and federal legislations, and
(4) development of computer technology. With the expanding
computing technology, emergence of information technology,
introduction of new modeling tools, and development of space
technology, watershed modeling entered into a new era. These days,
watershed models are much more than typical hydrology modelsthey
incorporate relevant aspects of allied sciences, such as
hydrometeorology, climate science, geology, ecology, agriculture,
sociology, risk analysis, and the like. This presentation will dwell
upon three main theories-systems, wave, and entropy-which
constitute the basis of most hydrologic component models. It then
goes on to discussing watershed models which integrate these
component models, modeling challenges, and future outlook and
directions in light of newly emerging areas and artificial intelligence.
Speaker: Dr. Vijay P. Singh is a Distinguished Professor in
the Department of Biological & Agricultural
Engineering at Texas A&M University. He holds
the Caroline & William N. Lehrer Distinguished
Chair in Water Engineering and is a Regents
Professor. A globally recognized expert in
hydrology and water resources engineering, Dr.
Singh is a member of the National Academy of
Engineering, reflecting his profound
contributions to the hydrological sciences.
Dr. Singh earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
from Colorado State University, followed by a
D.Sc. in Environmental and Water Resources
Engineering from the University of
Witwatersrand, South Africa. His academic
journey began with degrees from the University
of Guelph, Canada, and U.P. Agricultural
University, India.
His research spans surface and groundwater
hydrology, hydraulics, irrigation engineering,
watershed modeling, and entropy-based
approaches to hydrologic analysis. He has made
pioneering contributions to streamflow
forecasting, dam break analysis, and the
hydrologic impacts of climate change. His work
continues to shape water resource management
and environmental engineering practices
worldwide.