parsimonious geomorphological unit hydrograph for rainfall–runoff modelling in small ungauged basins

• Published in: Hydrological sciences journal Vol. 57; no. 1; pp. 73 - 83
• Main Authors: Grimaldi, S, Petroselli, A, Nardi, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wallingford Taylor & Francis 2012; IAHS Press; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: algorithms; analyse de terrain; basins; bassin non jaugé; case studies; DEM; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Flow velocity; Freshwater; GIS; GIUH; HUGI, MNT; hydrogramme unitaire; hydrograph; hydrologic models; Hydrology. Hydrogeology; model validation; modèle pluie-débit; petit bassin; prediction; rainfall-runoff models; rivers; Runoff; SIG; small basin; Studies; terrain analysis; ungauged basin; unit hydrograph; watersheds; WFIUH; rivers; algorithms; floods; rainfall; terrains; runoff; geographic information systems; concentration; slopes; velocity; networks; Modeling; numerical models; discharge; digital terrain models; prediction; transmission electron microscopy; soils; performances; flow; hydrographs
• ISSN: 2150-3435; 0262-6667; 2150-3435
• DOI: 10.1080/02626667.2011.636045

In this study, a parsimonious hydrological modelling algorithm is proposed based on the automated DEM-based geomorphic characterization of runoff dynamics in scarcely monitored river basins. The proposed approach implements the instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH) concept, estimated using the width function (WF), for characterizing the travel time distribution using just one parameter, the river network flow velocity. Hillslope velocities are defined using spatially-distributed empirical formulas based on slope and soil-use information extrapolated from digital topographic data. Case studies are presented for testing model performance and comparing simulated and observed hydrographs of 25 selected flood events, as well as investigating the differences with the geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH) model results. The calibration of the WFIUH channel flow velocity parameter using the concentration time is investigated providing interesting insights for the use of such a method for hydrological prediction in ungauged basins.Editor D. KoutsoyiannisCitation Grimaldi, S., Petroselli, A. and Nardi, F., 2012. A parsimonious geomorphological unit hydrograph for rainfall–runoff modelling in small ungauged basins. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 57 (1), 73–83.