ITR: DHARMA: Domain-Specific Metaware for Hydrologic Applications

Kansas State University, Manhattan KS

Investigators

Abstract

The DHARMA domain-specific middleware system being developed in this project is intended to allow hydrologic field engineers to address water-management problems, on a scale previously impossible, with sophisticated domain-specific computational management systems. DHARMA is used to provide automatic data acquisition via the Internet; data fusion from online, local, and cached resources; smart caching of intermediate results to allow for reuse in future simulation cycles; and smart scheduling to optimize execution times on metacomputing systems. Our target watershed model, WEPP, is a continuous simulation processed-based model which represents new soil erosion prediction capabilities. However, it is limited to very small watersheds with current computer technology. A revolutionary change in hydrologic modeling on the watershed scale will be brought about by applying the WEPP model to the 925 square miles Lake Decatur watershed. Currently, all watershed scale hydrologic models are based on empirical relationships. WEPP is the only model which scientifically accounts for soils, sediment transport, runoff, channel flow, plant growth, decomposition, snow melt, freeze-thaw effects, and climatic conditions. Through DHARMA, WEPP is the only model which will provide accurate predictions and evaluate the effects of alternative watershed management practices on watershed water quality.