CEE Seminar: Transforming Data into Actionable Decisions: Harnessing Heterogeneous Data and Models for Informed Water Management

Abstract: The lack of informed water management and the persistent gap between research and operational practices continue to limit the effectiveness of strategies for addressing complex water resource challenges. This presentation highlights recent advancements in informed water management, emphasizing four critical levels: data acquisition, modeling, operation and management, and vulnerability and risk assessment. The first level focuses on heterogeneous sources of data and acquisition, integrating multi-source spatial-temporal information. Advancements such as ATLANTIS and AQUANet, a benchmark dataset and deep learning networks for semantic segmentation of waterbodies, have been developed to combine ground-based imagery with satellite data to enhance data reliability and support forecasting and management systems. The second level involves developing supporting models, combining physics-based and deep learning techniques to detect, simulate, and forecast water-related hazards and events. These models enable high-resolution and accelerated simulations and predictive insights, improving the understanding of water system dynamics under various scenarios. The third level addresses informed operation and decision-making, with a particular focus on Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO). This adaptive strategy employs probabilistic forecasts and dynamic modeling to optimize reservoir operations, balancing flood control, water supply and ecosystem health while addressing uncertainties associated with extreme hydrological events. Finally, the fourth level emphasizes vulnerability and risk assessment, providing actionable insights for decision-makers to evaluate exposure, prioritize interventions and enhance resilience. This presentation showcases how these advancements in heterogeneous data integration, modeling, and operational strategies like resilient flood management and FIRO are transforming the field of water management. 

Bio: Erfan Goharian is the Water Resources Engineering R&D manager at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. He specializes in developing advanced computational, data-driven and artificial intelligence techniques to enhance the informed operation and management of integrated water resources systems under the challenges of climate change and extreme events, such as floods and droughts.

At CW3E, Goharian leads the advancements in cutting-edge modeling and decision-making techniques with a focus on the implementation of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO). The program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration by integrating academia, local communities and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining CW3E, Goharian was an associate professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Carolina, where he led innovative research projects and educational initiatives in water resources systems. His work has been supported by national agencies such as NSF, NOAA, USGS and DoD, as well as state agencies. Goharian’s research has resulted in over 60 peer-reviewed journal papers and more than 100 invited talks and conference presentations. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award, UCOWR Early Career Award, ASCE Young Civil Engineer of the Year and the Best Research-Oriented Paper Award from ASCE. He also serves as an associate editor for Nature’s Scientific Reports and the Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management.