Runoff Model for Watersheds of Nonhomogeneous Characteristics

by Richard J. Heggen, Univ of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Steel Structures

Abstract:

A watershed of any configuration, topography, and spatial distribution of cover, soil and channel characteristics is described as a plannar grid. Time-varying precipitation is applied to the watershed in discrete time increments. Infiltration is abstracted by a variable rate model. Precipitation infiltrates, stands, and/or runs off each quadrant in accordance with that quadrant's slope and hydrologic characteristics. Overland flow is routed to channels, and channel flow is then routed to the basin's point of discharge. The grid definition of the watershed surface makes the model appropriate for watersheds not adequately modeled by conventional nondistributed hydrologic means. The model does not require that unit hydrographs or times of concentration be estimated. A case study is illustrated.

Subject Headings: Watersheds | Hydrologic models | Infiltration | Case studies | Soil properties | Runoff | Rainfall-runoff relationships

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