Groundbreaking model simulates river-groundwater interactions, impacting global water management.
A new model called CP v1.0 was created to study interactions between river water, groundwater, and land surface processes. By combining two existing models, the researchers were able to simulate how water moves between the river and the land, affecting energy distribution and moisture levels. The model showed that groundwater and river water exchange impacts the riparian zone and vadose zone, affecting energy and water budgets. The study found that the model's accuracy depends on the spatial resolution used, especially when the surface and subsurface are closely connected. Overall, the model can help us understand how ecosystems function along river corridors under changing climate conditions.