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A Stochastic Streamflow Model Based on Physical Principles
Author(s) -
Koch Roy W.
Publication year - 1985
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/wr021i004p00545
Subject(s) - streamflow , discretization , precipitation , stochastic modelling , covariance function , covariance , mathematics , flow (mathematics) , environmental science , hydrology (agriculture) , soil science , drainage basin , geology , statistics , geotechnical engineering , mathematical analysis , meteorology , geometry , physics , geography , cartography
Based on hydrologic arguments, a stochastic model for discretized streamflow from rainfall is proposed in the form of an averaged filtered Poisson process (FPP). Using a two‐component description with excess precipitation and drainage as inputs to the surface and subsurface flow systems, simplified models are presented for the physical processes. The mean, variance, and covariance function of discretized streamflow are computed in terms of the first and second moments of excess precipitation and drainage which are derived analytically. The behavior of the stochastic properties of streamflow is evaluated for various soil types, basin travel times, and effective initial soil water contents. Where there is an intuitive, feeling for the interaction of physical characteristics and stochastic properties, such as the mean, the model appears to produce qualitatively correct results. Prediction of stochastic properties is limited by the selection of an effective initial soil moisture value.