Results

The UZ output contains all the information on pressure and saturation in the UZ columns, as well as information on the spatial processes, such as spa­tially distributed infiltration and groundwater recharge.

Gridded output items

The gridded output for the UZ solver are found in four files:

·         The output related to the 2 Layer Water balance method is found in the file projectname_wetland.dfs2. (The name reflects the earlier name of this module - the former wetland module).

·         The 2D results from the UZ model are found in two files: projectname_2­DUZ_AllCells.dfs2 and projectname_2DUZ_UzCells.dfs2. The 2D output includes output items related to spatial distribution of UZ processes, such as UZ-SZ exchange and groundwater recharge.

·         The 3D UZ outputs are found in projectname_3DUZ.dfs3. This file con­tains all the values in all the cells, such as the saturation in each UZ cell.

The detailed contents of these files are found in the Appendix: MIKE SHE Output Items (V1 p. 781).

Transient UZ column plot

One of the most interesting UZ outputs is the transient UZ column plot. The UZ in MIKE SHE is based on 1D columns. This plot displays the property (water content, pressure, etc) of one column with depth versus time. This allows you to visualize, for example, the water content with depth at every saved time step in the simulation.

Evaluating the spatial distribution of UZ errors

The water balance program can be used to get an overview of errors due to a poor setup of the unsaturated zone. The follow procedure can be used to make a map of UZ-errors:

1.       Create a sub catchment map by retrieving UZ-classification codes from the input file.

2.       Replace negative values of the classification code map by positive val­ues in the 2D graphical editor.

3.       Use the sub catchment map in the water balance setup file to make a UZ map of the water balance, which will create your map of UZ-errors.