CASAM (formerly known as LASAM) is a catchment scale hydrolgic model originally designed for arid or semi arid areas, in which the partitioning of precipitation into infiltration and runoff is important. CASAM is composed of a vadose zone model, which is Layered Green & Ampt with redistribution (LGAR) and represents a layered soil matrix, and a nonlinear reservoir which is filled via a simple formulation for preferential flow. LGAR is a model which partitions precipitation into infiltration and runoff, and is designed for use in arid or semi-arid climates. LGAR closely mimics precipitation partitioning results simulated by the Richards/Richardson equation (RRE), without the inherent reliability and stability challenges the RRE poses. Therefore, this model is useful when accurate, stable precipitation partitioning simulations are desired in arid or semi-arid areas. LGAR in Python (no longer supported) is available here.
CASAM is theoretically a skillful catchment scale hydrolgic model in the event that precipitation partitioning into infiltration and runoff is the most important process for streamflow generation in a given catchment. Nonetheless, CASAM also includes a nonlinear reservoir so that some water stored in the catchment can contribute directly to streamflow (currently, we assume soil water does not directly contribute to streamflow).
Published papers: For details about the model please see our manuscript on LGAR (weblink).
Detailed instructions on how to build and run CASAM can be found here INSTALL.
- Test examples highlights
- simulations with synthetic forcing data and unittest (see build/run).
- simulations with real forcing data (see build/run)
- CASAM coupling to Soil Freeze Thaw (SFT) model (see instructions)
A detailed description of the parameters for model configuration is provided here.
A detailed description of calibratable parameters is provided here.
Realization files for running CASAM (coupled/uncoupled modes) in the nextgen framework are provided here.
For questions, please contact Ahmad (ahmad.jan(at)noaa.gov) and/or Peter (peter.lafollette(at)noaa.gov), the two main developers/maintainers of the repository.
CASAM is a newly developed model and we are constantly looking to improve the model and/or fix bugs as they arise. Please see the Git Issues for known issues or if you want to suggest adding a capability or to report a bug, please open an issue.
See general instructions to contribute to the model development (instructions) or simply fork the repository and submit a pull request.