Watershed Modeling
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The Thornthwaite water balance (Thornthwaite, 1948; Mather, 1978; 1979) uses an accounting procedure to analyze the allocation of water among various components of the hydrologic system. Inputs to the model are monthly temperature and precipitation. Outputs include monthly potential and actual evapotranspiration, soil moisture storage, snow storage, surplus, and runoff.

The model is obtained from this web page using the Download link below.

Full model documentation, including both a description of the physical process modeling methodology and the graphical user interface can be accessed from the links below. Also, a demonstration input data file (necessary to run the model) is available with the model download.

Disclaimer: Information and software is provided here with the understanding that it is not guaranteed to be correct or complete and conclusions drawn from such information are the sole responsibility of the user.

Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. For further information, please see the standard
USGS Disclaimer.

Thornthwaite Monthly Water Balance Model
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