Runoff estimation for an ungauged catchment using geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) models

A geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) is derived from the geomorphological characteristics of a catchment and it is related to the parameters of the Clark instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) model as well as the Nash IUH model for deriving its complete shape. The developed GIUH based Clark and Nash models are applied for simulation of the direct surface run‐off (DSRO) hydrographs for ten rainfall‐runoff events of the Ajay catchment up to the Sarath gauging site of eastern India. The geomorphological characteristics of the Ajay catchment are evaluated using the GIS package, Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS). The performances of the GIUH based Clark and Nash models in simulating the DSRO hydrographs are compared with the Clark IUH model option of HEC‐1 package and the Nash IUH model, using some commonly used objective functions. The DSRO hydrographs are computed with reasonable accuracy by the GIUH based Clark and Nash models, which simulate the DSRO hydrographs of the catchment considering it to be ungauged. Inter comparison of the performances of the GIUH based Clark and Nash models shows that the DSRO hydrographs are estimated with comparable accuracy by both the models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparative analysis of a geomorphology‐based instantaneous unit hydrograph in small mountainous watersheds

A conceptual insytnataneous unit hydrograph (IUH) based on geomorphologival association of linear reservoirs (GR) previously developed by the authors has been compared with other IUH models: a distributed GR variation (GR(v)), the Nash IUH, the Chutha and Dooge IUH, and the Troutman and Karlinger IUH for the analysis of direct runoff hydrographs recorded in three experimental watershed of the north of Spain. The comparison was made through a calibration‐validation process in which a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation method was applied. The results indicate the satisfactory performance of all the models, with the advantage for the GR model of the dependence on only one parameter, which can be identified from the watershed and event characteristics. This property makes its use easier than that of other models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of the unit hydrograph of a typical urban basin using genetic programming and artificial neural networks

An application of genetic programming (GP) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) in hydrology is proposed, showing how these two techniques can work together to solve the problem of modelling the effect of rain on the runoff flow in a typical urban basin. The ability of GP to include the physical basis of a problem and even to analyse the results is discussed, and a case study is included as an example. We propose a solution to this problem by using an ANN for the prediction of the daily flow due to human activity of the citizens and the use of GP for the prediction of the flow rate resulting from the rain. Finally, it is shown that the methodology can be used to solve similar problems by combining both techniques. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Clark's and Espey's unit hydrographs vs the gamma unit hydrograph / Les hydrogrammes unitaires de Clark et de Espey vs l'hydrogramme unitaire de forme loi gamma

Abstract

A two-parameter gamma distribution for synthetic unit hydrographs (SUH) is compared with the Clark's and Espey's SUHs. A critical comparison of Clark's and gamma UHs, in terms of recession characteristics and time–area curve, is presented. It is observed that, in principle, a gamma UH can represent the hydrograph recession better than the Clark's UH does. Selection of a time–area curve is needed for obtaining the Clark's UH. The main problem in developing a SUH using the Clark's method is identified as the non-availability of a parametric form of the time–area curve. The time–area curve as represented in the hydrological model HEC-1, for the use in Clark's method, is found inadequate and unjustified. Gamma UHs obtained without optimization, for several examples, are found consistent with their physical meanings and better than the respective Clark's UH in reproducing runoff obtained with optimization. The parameters of Clark's UH (i.e. time of concentration and recession constant), as optimized through the HEC-1 program, are found inconsistent with their empirical origins and physical meanings; these lose their physical meaning and serve only as fitting parameters. This is due to the inappropriate time–area curve. A gamma UH has also the advantage of having fewer parameters than Clark's UH, which makes it more identifiable while still maintaining a connection with the physics of the problem. Espey's SUH for urban watersheds is transmuted to a gamma distribution using the empirical equations for the peak and time to peak of the UH. A numerical UH for a gauged catchment, generally obtained through linear programming or a least-squares approach, can be easily transmuted to a gamma UH and, hence, can be given a conceptual interpretation. Thus, these can also be used for developing a SUH.     

Laboratory examination of linearity in rainfall–runoff relationships

ABSTRACT

Certain rainfall–runoff models, e.g. the unit hydrograph, assume linear relationships between the variables. These are proportionality of runoff discharges to (net) rainfall depth and linear summations of discharges resulting from (net) rainfalls during different time intervals or over different sectors of a watershed. This study examines the validity of these assumptions by use of an extensive two-dimensional laboratory experimentation. The results indicate that proportionality would be found under high rainfall intensity through a long duration. Spatial summations would more likely yield correct discharges in cases where rainfall duration is equal to, or is longer than, the time of concentration. Temporal summations may yield correct discharges when rainfall duration is longer than one half of the time of concentration. Here, the time of concentration is determined at the beginning of gradual approach of the discharge towards the equilibrium state.