Introducing GEOtop and GEOframe: Open-Source Tools for Hydrological Modelling in Mountain Catchments
Event
Side Event
Introducing GEOtop and GEOframe: Open-Source Tools for Hydrological Modelling in Mountain Catchments
About Event:
Wednesday, October 08, 2025 (17:30-19:30) Timing (IST)
This hands-on short course introduces participants to practical use of two open-source hydrological models: GEOtop, a physically-based distributed model for energy and water balance in the soil-snow-vegetation-atmosphere system, and GEOframe, a semi-distributed model, flexible, component-based hydrological modelling system based on the Object Modelling System (OMS v3).
This course will run as a side-event for the upcoming XIIth IAHS Scientific Assembly 2025 to be held in Roorkee, India from October 5-10, 2025. The course is ideal for PhD and Master students, postdoctoral researchers and professionals eager to explore open-source models for hydrological modelling. The course blends theoretical lectures with demonstrations that include model setup (software installation), model execution, and interpretation of outputs through case studies.
Preliminary Program:
Part 1: Introduction to hydrological modelling in mountain catchments (15 minutes)
- Brief Introduction to mountain catchment hydrology
- Hydrological Modelling in a mountain catchment and challenges
Part 2: The GEOframe Modelling System (30 minutes)
- Introduction to the GEOframe System and its modular Architecture
- Model Installation
- Hydrological Modelling in a mountain catchment with GEOframe Modelling System (an case study demonstration)
Part 3: Snow hydrology with the GEOtop Model (30 minutes)
- Introduction to GEOtop Model: Structure, Capabilities, process modelled etc.
- Model Installation and software needs
- Snow Modeling in the Alps using GEOtop (an interactive case study demonstration)
Part 4: Discussion (15 minutes)
- Feedback & Wrap-Up
- Extra support and resources will be provided for interested participants
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand the general modelling of hydrological processes in mountain catchments.
- Be able to set up and run basic simulations using GEOtop and GEOframe.
- Enable and encourage participants to apply these models to their own case studies.
- Foster a community of practice for open-source hydrological modelling.
Target Audience:
- PhD and Masters students, postdocs, and professionals working in hydrology, climate science, remote sensing, or environmental modeling.
- Anyone interested in open-source hydrological models.
Requirements:
- Participants are expected to bring their own laptops.
- Participants should have a basic background in hydrological modelling or a strong interest in hydrological models.
- Familiarity with hydrology, Linux-based OS and/or programming (e.g., R, Python, or Bash) is beneficial but not mandatory.
Application & Registration:
- Registration: Free, limited to ~30 participants. Register by sending an email to Giuseppe Formetta (giuseppe.formetta@unitn.it) and John Mohd Wani (johnmohd.wani@unitn.it) with CV and a brief motivation letter before the deadline (one week before the conference).
- Fees: No registration fee. Light refreshments or materials may be provided based on funding.
- Certificates: Issued upon completion and submission of a brief project or exercise.
Instructors (Tentative):
Course Coordinators:
- Giacomo Bertoldi (giacomo.bertoldi@eurac.edu)
- John Mohd Wani (johnmohd.wani@unitn.it)
- Giuseppe Formetta (giuseppe.formetta@unitn.it)
- Riccardo Rigon (riccardo.rigon@unitn.it )
Acknowledgements: Ricardo Rigon and John Mohd Wani would like to thank and acknowledge the funding from the Fondazione CARITRO Cassa di Risparmio di Trento e Rovereto, grant number 2022.0246 and the SpaceitUp project, grant number 40104905
