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AN APPLICATION RUNOFF MODEL STRATEGY FOR UNGAGED WATERSHEDS 1
Author(s) -
Chery Donald L.,
Clyde Calvin G.,
Smith Roger E.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
jawra journal of the american water resources association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.957
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1752-1688
pISSN - 1093-474X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-1688.1979.tb01091.x
Subject(s) - nonlinear system , surface runoff , infiltration (hvac) , parametric statistics , mathematical model , watershed , parametric model , hydrology (agriculture) , flow (mathematics) , simulation modeling , hydrological modelling , computer science , environmental science , mathematics , meteorology , statistics , geology , geotechnical engineering , geometry , physics , ecology , mathematical economics , quantum mechanics , climatology , machine learning , biology
Mathematical models for predicting watershed surface flow responses are available, most of which are elaborate nonlinear numerical surface and channel flow models linked with infiltration models. Such models may be used to make predictions for ungaged areas, assuming an acceptable fitting of the model to the topography and roughness of the real system. For some application purposes, these models are impractical because of their complexity and expensive computer solutions. A procedure is developed that uses a complex model of an ungaged area to derive a simpler parametric nonlinear system model for repetitious simulation with input sequences. The predicted flow outputs are obtained with the simpler model at significant savings of money and time. The procedures for constructing a complex kinematic model of a 40 acre (161,880 m 2 ) reference watershed and deriving the simpler system model are outlined. The results of predictions from both models are compared with a selected set of measured events, all having essentially the same initial conditions. Peak discharges ranged from 3 to 118 ft 3 /sec (0.085 to 3.34 m 3 /sec), which includes the largest event of record. The inherent limitations of lumped systems models are demonstrated, including the bias caused by their inability to model infiltration losses after rainfall ceases. Computer costs and times for the models were compared. The derived simple model has a cost advantage when repeated use of a model is required. Such an applications hydrologic model has an engineering tradeoff of reduced accuracy, and lumping bias, but is more economical for certain design purposes.