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A mathematical model of hillslope and watershed discharge
Author(s) -
Stagnitti Frank,
Parlange JeanYves,
Steenhuis Tammo S.,
Parlange Marc B.,
Rose Calvin W.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/92wr00705
Subject(s) - hydrology (agriculture) , surface runoff , hydrograph , evapotranspiration , groundwater recharge , watershed , hydraulic conductivity , water balance , environmental science , water content , water table , time of concentration , precipitation , subsurface flow , soil science , water storage , hydrological modelling , soil water , geology , groundwater , geotechnical engineering , geomorphology , machine learning , computer science , ecology , physics , climatology , meteorology , aquifer , inlet , biology
A mathematical water balance model describing major hydrological processes operating within wet forested watersheds is proposed. The model is capable of predicting hillslope and watershed discharge, evapotranspiration demands, hillslope moisture status, and surface and subsurface flow rates. It is based on soil physical principles and requires the following input variables: average hillslope angle and width, average soil depth, precipitation, average daily evaporation rates, effective saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil moisture holding capacity and initial moisture content. These variables are often easily measured from field studies. However, in some cases, the absence of field data may require that some of the variables in the model, e.g., saturated hydraulic conductivity, be estimated or calibrated from hillslope hydrograph records. The watershed model is composed of two submodels: a storage model and a hillslope model. The storage model describes the dynamic variation in water table elevation in recharge zones and the hillslope model is used to predict runoff and seepage through flow from surrounding hillsides. Application of the model is illustrated on a small watershed located in North Madison, Connecticut.