Analytical model for a geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph

Cyril Fleurant (1) , Budi Kartiwa (2) , B. Roland (3)

1 LETG - Littoral, Environnement, Télédétection, Géomatique UMR 6554
2 Center for Soil and Agroclimate Research
3 ESO - Espaces et Sociétés

The rainfall-runoff modelling of a river basin can be divided into two processes: the production function and the transfer function. The production function determines the proportion of gross rainfall actually involved in the runoff. The transfer function spreads the net rainfall over time and space in the river basin. Such a transfer function can be modelled using the approach of the geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph (GIUH). The effectiveness of geomorphological models is actually revealed in rainfall-runoff modelling, where hydrologic data are desperately lacking, just as in ungauged basins. These models make it possible to forecast the hydrograph shape and runoff variation versus time at the basin outlet. This article is an introduction to a new GIUH model that proves to be simple and analytical. Its geomorphological parameters are easily available on a map or from a digital elevation model. This model is based on general hypotheses on symmetry that provide it with multiscale versatile characteristics. After having validated the model in river basins of very different nature and size, we present an application of this model for rainfall-runoff modelling. Since parameters are determined relying on real geomorphological data, no calibration is necessary, and it is then possible to carry out rainfall-runoff simulations in ungauged river basins. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley \& Sons, Ltd.

Mots clés: Journal-ISO = Hydrol. Process; geomorphological function; transfer function; river basin; rainfall-runoff; Keywords-Plus = HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES; FRACTAL DIMENSION; STREAM NETWORKS; CATCHMENT; SCALE; EXPLANATION; CHANNEL; LENGTH; Research-Areas = Water Resources; Web-of-Science-Categories = Water Resources; Author-Email = [e-mail]; Number-of-Cited-References = 51; Times-Cited = 4; Journal-ISO = Hydrol. Process.; Doc-Delivery-Number = 114JX; Unique-ID = ISI:000242663600006

Domaines: Hydrologie; Milieux et Changements globaux

Cyril Fleurant, Budi Kartiwa, B. Roland. Analytical model for a geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph. Hydrological Processes, 2006, 20 (18), pp.3879-3895. ⟨10.1002/hyp.6162⟩. ⟨hal-00735528⟩