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A generalized kinematic catchment model
Author(s) -
Field W. G.,
Williams B. J.
Publication year - 1987
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/wr023i008p01693
Subject(s) - kinematic wave , inflow , hydrology (agriculture) , flood myth , channel (broadcasting) , kinematics , division (mathematics) , drainage basin , geology , groundwater , environmental science , mathematics , geotechnical engineering , computer science , surface runoff , geography , ecology , computer network , oceanography , physics , arithmetic , archaeology , classical mechanics , cartography , biology
The model requires the division of the catchment into a (branched) network of subcatchments or reservoirs. Rainfall on these elements of the model is distributed to a surface or a groundwater storage which, in turn, at differing rates, provides inflow into the channel network. The flows in the channels are simulated by a kinematic wave equation which is solved using an implicit finite difference scheme. Typical parameter estimates for catchments of varying sizes are presented. The model is considered to have particular potential for flood forecasting as well as being a useful adjunct to design.