Chesapeake Bay SPARROW Model

Objective The Chesapeake Bay SPARROW Model (Bay SPARROW Model) is a set of spatially referenced regression models to provide additional spatial detail on nutrient sources and transport processes in the Bay watershed.

Developer The Bay SPARROW Model was developed by the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Contact information Scott Phillips, swphilli@usgs.gov, 410-265-1353, Chesapeake Bay Program Office, 410 Severn Ave. , Suite 112, Annapolis, MD 21403

Inputs The SPARROW Model integrates Non-Tidal Monitoring Network data with landscape information combined with statistical methods to relate water-quality monitoring data to upstream sources and watershed characteristics that affect the fate and transport of constituents to streams, estuaries and other receiving water bodies.

Outputs The Bay SPARROW Model provides a general calibration check on the Bay Watershed Model’s land use and riverine loads. SPARROW is watershed based and designed for use in predicting long-term average values such as concentrations and delivered loads to downstream receiving waters.

User The Bay SPARROW Model is used by USGS and the analysis data referenced by USEPA and the Chesapeake Bay Program Office.

Scales of Relevance The Bay SPARROW Model analysis is available on a model segment scale representative of a USGS HUC 12 sub-watershed scale.

Other The USGS SPARROW Model is a national modeling tool.

Sponsors/funders USGS, USEPA and the Chesapeake Bay Program Office.