Journal article
A process-based mesh-distributed watershed model for water runoff and soil erosion simulation
International journal of river basin management, Vol.22(1), pp.71-88
01/02/2024
DOI: 10.1080/15715124.2022.2101465
Abstract
Runoff and sediment movement induced by storms have serious economic, environmental, and social impacts around the world. Hydrological models have become useful decision support tools for watershed management. The development of process-based distributed models is complex as it involves a range of disciplines and spans multiple spatial and temporal scales. In this study, a process-based and mesh-distributed model, suitable for both event-based and continuous simulations, is developed. The watershed is conceptualized in three distinct zones: a surface overland region, an unsaturated subsurface zone, and a groundwater zone. Overland flow is governed by the 2D diffusive wave equation with an optional 1D channel network solver; water in the unsaturated zone is modelled through mass conservation and vertical dominance of the processes; and saturated groundwater flow is governed by the 2D Dupuit equation. Soil erosion and transport are governed by the multi-size, non-equilibrium equations incorporating soil entrainment, transport, and deposition. The model is driven by meteorological input, land use and soil type properties. The numerical approach is a generalization of existing models to overcome some current modelling shortcomings. New contributions of the model are highlighted and model verification and validation are reported against benchmark cases. The model is then applied to the Cache Creek watershed in California, USA. Satisfactory agreement with the measured data is obtained with both the runoff flow rate and sediment load.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- A process-based mesh-distributed watershed model for water runoff and soil erosion simulation
- Creators
- Yong G. Lai - United States Bureau of ReclamationBenjamin Abban - United States Bureau of ReclamationMarcela Politano - U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- International journal of river basin management, Vol.22(1), pp.71-88
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- DOI
- 10.1080/15715124.2022.2101465
- ISSN
- 1571-5124
- eISSN
- 1814-2060
- Number of pages
- 18
- Grant note
- Taiwan Water Resources Agency 1809 / Science and Technology Program at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/02/2024
- Academic Unit
- IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984627343202771
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