An open-source Python framework for the flexible deployment and advanced applications of the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model

Zheng, Xudong; Liu, Dengfeng; Tang, Qiuhong; Li, Qiang; Liao, Haoyu; Wang, Hao

doi:10.5194/gmd-19-10503-2026

Articles | Volume 19, issue 21

https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-10503-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-19-10503-2026

© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Articles | Volume 19, issue 21

Development and technical paper

|

05 Nov 2026

Development and technical paper |

| 05 Nov 2026

An open-source Python framework for the flexible deployment and advanced applications of the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model

Xudong Zheng, Dengfeng Liu, Qiuhong Tang, Qiang Li, Haoyu Liao, and Hao Wang

Data sets

Data for "An Open-Source Python Framework for the Flexible Deployment and Advanced Applications of the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) Model" Xudong Zheng https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21771543

NLDAS Primary Forcing Data L4 Hourly 0.125 x 0.125 degree V2.0 NLDAS project https://doi.org/10.5067/THUF4J1RLSYG

MODIS/Terra+Aqua BRDF/Albedo Black Sky Albedo Shortwave Daily L3 Global 30ArcSec CMG V061 Crystal Schaaf and Zhuosen Wang https://doi.org/10.5067/MODIS/MCD43D51.061

MODIS/Terra Vegetation Indices Monthly L3 Global 1km SIN Grid V061 Kamel Didan https://doi.org/10.5067/MODIS/MOD13A3.061

MODIS/Terra Leaf Area Index/FPAR 8-Day L4 Global 500m SIN Grid V061 Ranga Myneni et al. https://doi.org/10.5067/MODIS/MOD15A2H.061

ERA5-Land monthly averaged data from 1950 to present J. Muñoz Sabater https://doi.org/10.24381/cds.68d2bb30

NLDAS Primary Forcing Data L4 Hourly 0.125 x 0.125 degree V2.0 NLDAS project https://doi.org/10.5067/THUF4J1RLSYG

Model code and software

Easy VIC Build v0.2.0 Xudong Zheng https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21738705

Short summary

Hydrological models help scientists understand water movement and predict changes in water resources. However, their increasing complexity makes them difficult to use. This study developed an open-source framework to simplify the setup and application of the Variable Infiltration Capacity model. Tests in multiple basins showed that the framework improves efficiency, provides reliable simulations, and supports wider use of hydrological models.