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Conceptual analysis of rainfall and runoff data with a hybrid computer
Author(s) -
McCarthy J. R.
Publication year - 1972
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/wr008i004p00942
Subject(s) - surface runoff , hydrology (agriculture) , hydrograph , runoff model , watershed , runoff curve number , infiltration (hvac) , environmental science , storm , computer science , soil science , meteorology , geology , geotechnical engineering , machine learning , biology , ecology , physics
A watershed is represented by a serial multistage system in which each stage employs a generalized conceptual element. The stages are initial abstractions, surface storage, translation, intermediate abstractions, channel storage, final abstractions, and outlet storage. The specific character of each stage is determined by using data from an actual watershed and a hybrid computer. Data compiled from a 16‐acre tract on the Atterbury Experimental Watershed near Tucson, Arizona, are used. A broad spectrum of recorded conditions gives rise to typical problems involving rainfall‐runoff relations on arid land watersheds. Infiltration becomes the important initial abstraction, and Horton's equation is modified to make the capacity rate of infiltration a function of time and precipitation intensity. The analysis relates depression losses to storm variables so that the starting time of the runoff can be estimated. A provision is included, for subsequent depression losses that may occur, for example, during multiple peak flows. The translation model developed permits the shifting of the computed hydrograph to coincide with the actual runoff. Linear reservoirs are used in storage stages. A suggested ‘parameter matrix’ increases the reliability of predictions.