Rainfall-Runoff Estimation Using Digital Radar

Abstract

Storm runoff is a critical concern to meteorologists and hydrological forecasters. A runoff algorithm, part of a series of tropical weather algorithms developed for the NEXRAD (Next Generation Weather Radar) radar system, is presented. The algorithm is based on the relationship between the rainfall over the basin and the discharge response at the gauge station. The algorithm is designed to provide runoff as a function of time for a given input(s) of rainfall. With known overflow levels, flood potential can also be evaluated. The runoff algorithm examined outflow at five basins within the operating scope of the Pittsburgh National Weather Service (NES) radar. A comparison of the observed runoff was made with the algorithm generated discharge. In general, hydrograph accuracies improved with increasing rainfall excess.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA265390

Entities

People

  • Russell A. Kutzman

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air Force
  • Algorithms
  • Drainage Basins
  • Drops
  • Floods
  • Groundwater
  • Measurement
  • Meteorological Radar
  • Meteorology
  • Precipitation
  • Radar
  • Radar Equipment
  • Rain
  • Rain Gages
  • Rainfall
  • Water Supplies

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Coastal and Marine Engineering/Sediment Transport/Hydraulic Engineering
  • Radar Systems Engineering.