An Improved Method for Watershed Delineation and Computation of Surface Depression Storage
Publication: Watershed Management 2010: Innovations in Watershed Management under Land Use and Climate Change
Abstract
Surface microtopography plays an important role in overland flow generation and soil erosion processes. Characterization of surface depressions and delineation of the entire watershed are critical to watershed modeling and management. In most hydrologic models, however, surface depression storage is estimated indirectly and inputted as a known value. In addition, it is often assumed that overland flow initiates after all surface depressions are fully filled. In reality, surface microtopography may control overland flow generation, surface runoff, soil erosion, and other hydrologic processes in a dynamic manner. The role of depressions that have various spatial scales and distribution characteristics is far beyond the functions of storing and detaining/retaining surface runoff. In this study, an improved surface delineation method was proposed to identify surface depressions and their relationships, precisely quantify the surface microtopography, and compute the maximum depression storage based on high-resolution DEM data obtained by using an instantaneous-profile laser scanner. Furthermore, a user-friendly, Windows-based software package was developed to facilitate the associated computations and visualization. The delineation method and the related software were tested using various scale DEM data. It is demonstrated that the new delineation approach is effective and efficient.
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Copyright
© 2010 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Apr 26, 2012
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Computer programming
- Computer software
- Computing in civil engineering
- Engineering fundamentals
- Erosion
- Flow (fluid dynamics)
- Fluid dynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Geology
- Geotechnical engineering
- Hydrologic engineering
- Hydrologic models
- Hydrology
- Models (by type)
- Overland flow
- River engineering
- River systems
- Runoff
- Water and water resources
- Water management
- Water storage
- Water supply
- Water supply systems
- Watersheds
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