AN OPEN-SOURCE CODE FOR NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF DRAINAGE BASIN DEVELOPMENT

A previously developed finite-difference model for development of stream networks can test the impact of variations in surface properties such as erosivity, stream power, susceptibility of slopes adjacent to streams to erosion, and geologic variables, such as rock type or structural features, on the nature of network properties and resulting topography. Improvements in the program include incorporation of stream capture and the calculation and display of statistical parameters of resulting stream networks. Capturing of three-dimensional images of the developing topography, showing the location and order of streams, allows “real-time” viewing of the results of model runs. In addition to the obvious use as a means of demonstrating differential erosion and the development of stream systems through headward erosion, the model may be a useful tool in understanding those factors most important in developing a variety of drainage network geometries for comparison to actual drainage systems. The code for the program will soon be open sourced for those wishing to explore possible uses and to make modifications that may improve its performance, or for application to particular geomorphic problems.