A MATLAB implementation of TOPMODEL

The MATLAB SIMULINK programming language is applied to the TOPMODEL rainfall–runoff model. SIMULINK requires a good recognition of model dynamics, which has been achieved here in a version based on the first TOPMODEL (Beven and Kirkby, 1979). Introducing the topographic index distribution in a vector form allows the generalization and simplification of the SIMULINK structure. The SIMULINK version of TOPMODEL has a very easy to understand graphical representation, which shows, in a straightforward way, all the physical interactions that take place in the model. Moreover, owing to its modular structure it is easy to add new and/or develop old submodels, depending on the available data and the goal of the modelling. In the example given here TOPMODEL was extended by two submodels representing the soil moisture and evaporation distribution in the catchment. Preparation of the data and presentation of the results is done in MATLAB. Discharge predictions and spatial patterns of hydrological response are demonstrated for a separate validation period. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.