UNH Simulated Topological Network (STN-30)

Simulated Topological Networks are used to represent the linkage of continental
land mass and river networks in the Global Hydrologic Archive and Analysis
System (GHAAS). STN networks are generated at various resolutions. A
scale-appropriate partitioning of the continental land mass into distinct
systems is required by the UNH Water Balance and Water Transport Model
(WBM/WTM) for horizontal water routing and model validation against observed
discharge (runoff). STN-30 serves two purposes: (a) to identify the land mass
contributing to individual drainage basins and (b) to provide a specific flow
directionality for all grid cells that constitute the continental land mass of
the Earth. A 30-minute (0.5 degree) spatial gridding has been employed for
models and flow directionality studies at continental to global-scales. The
30-minute STN for the world is suitable for monthly flow simulations, such as
used in the GHAAS Water Transport Model (WTM). Other uses of the STN inclu de
the derivation of basin-wide or subbasin characteristics such as stream order,
mainstem length and catchment area.