The Effect of Spatial Variability in Precipitation on StreamFlow.
Abstract
In most approaches to modelling the rainfall/runoff process, a spatially lumped description of precipitation has been assumed adequate for modelling the important aspects of catchment response. However, theories of catchment hydrology as well as some recent modelling studies suggest that spatial variability in precipitation may be important in determining the characteristics of streamflow hydrographs. Data from two intensive rainfall recording experiments in Illinois have been used to examine the effects of rainfall pattern on stream hydrographs for summer convective storms. A threshold analysis was used to distinguish storms of markedly different pattern. A mixed deterministic/stochastic modelling procedure was used to determine the length of record required to differentiate the hydrograph characteristics resulting from storms of different patterns. It was found that differences in peak timing were highly significant but that differences in the distributions of peak flow and stormflow volumes were generally insignificant even given a long period of record. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA105955
Entities
People
- George M. Hornberger
- Keith J. Beven
Organizations
- University of Virginia