Representing human-water interactions in an integrated regional earth system modeling framework

The hydrologic cycle has been under the influence of human activities, active (modification) or passive (adaptation), since the beginning of civilization. In recent years, the topic of the interactions between human activities and the water cycle in the context of climate change has emerged with critical importance within the hydrologic and climate science communities. However, such interactions have not been sufficiently represented in most hydrologic and land surface models. In this study, we aim to develop and evaluate two critical components relevant to human-water interactions in an integrated regional earth system modeling (iRESM) framework under development. They are (1) an irrigation module to be integrated into the land component of iRESM for managed ecosystems; and (2) a generic water management module to allocate water to different sectors, e.g., irrigation and energy production, which are competing against each other for limited water. We will evaluate these components against in-situ and remotely sensed observations in selected sites and watersheds in the western United States, where irrigation and water management activities are pronounced.