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.