Numerical Modeling of Stage-Discharge Relationships in Urban Streams
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 17, Issue 4
Abstract
Quantitative relationships for converting recorded water levels to discharge records in urban streams typically have high levels of uncertainty, particularly for high flows. This problem results from the inherent difficulty in making direct discharge measurements during storms in urban watersheds with flashy runoff response. This paper describes an approach using a depth-averaged numerical model (TUFLOW) to support rating curves for stream gauges in Baltimore. Multiple forms of field-measured data are used to test and adjust the model-based curves, including surveyed water-surface profiles and high-water marks. Discrepancies between modeled curves and discharge measurements were . The average of modeled and measured water-surface profiles matched to within 0.04–0.08 m of water depth. This method facilitates the generation of rating curves encompassing the full range of flows for which patterns of runoff response impede measurement of high flows allow simulation of complex flow behavior that may influence stage-discharge relationships.
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Acknowledgments
Funding provided by the National Science Foundation (CNH 0709659 and DGE 0549469). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Special thanks to Ralph Causarano, Senora Cressman, Rich Foot, Anna Johnson, Phil Larson, Laura Merner, Matt Panunto, Chrissy Runyan, Brennan Smith, and Molly Van Appledorn for their assistance in the field and in the laboratory, and to Jon Dillow and Ed Doheny of USGS for their assistance in gathering relevant gauge records.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 17 • Issue 4 • April 2012
Pages: 590 - 596
Copyright
© 2012. American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 31, 2010
Accepted: Jun 10, 2011
Published online: Jun 14, 2011
Published in print: Apr 1, 2012
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