A Mathematical Model for Simulating the Hydrologic Response of a Watershed

Abstract

A general mathematical model was developed to simulate the surface runoff from watersheds. Based upon the integration of the concepts of physical hydrology into quantitative relationships, the model avoids the use of lumped parameters by delineating the watershed as a grid of small, independent elements. Because of the resultant freedom from fundamental assumptions regarding the form of the system equations and from the permissible small areal resolution of the model, very complex combinations of watershed and storm conditions may be studied. Application of the model to two very small watersheds indicated a need for additional research to define better the relationships for surface runoff and infiltration to improve the reliability of the simulated runoff hydrographs.