The Influence of Conceptual Flow Simulation Model Parameters on Model Solution

Authors: Azhar Khan A.¹; Saeed Shah S.M.²; Gabriel H.F.³

Source: Water Resources Management, Volume 16, Number 1, February 2002 , pp. 51-69(19)

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:

This article investigates the influence of conceptual flow simulation model parameters (i.e coefficients and constants that need to be estimated in calibration) on model solution (surface runoff) to understand the characteristics of the model. A new conceptual watershed yield model (WYM) was employed. There are four physical parameters, two fitting coefficients and two initial estimates of the surface water and groundwater storages that control the functioning of the model. The conceptual model was applied on Ling River near Kahuta and detailed sensitivity analysis was performed to explore the most sensitive model parameters. The most sensitive model parameters worked out were C_g (a fitting coefficient, which reflects the rate at which groundwater runoff occurs), w_r (watershed retention is the initial rainfall losses before runoff begins), p_gr (input parameter that reflects the discharge capacity of the groundwater aquifer). The model parameters like i_c (infiltration coefficient), g_wsm (input parameter that depends on the subsurface storage available in the watershed) and e_p (input parameter) have negligible effect on model solution. It was observed that w_r (watershed retention) is the only surface runoff controlling parameter and p_gr and C_g are the groundwater runoff controlling parameters.

Keywords: calibration; conceptual model parameters; groundwater runoff; groundwater storage; surface runoff; surface water storage; watershed retention

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Ph. D. Research Scholar, Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Engineering (CEWRE), University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan (author for correspondence, e-mail: aqeelphd@hotmail.com) 2: Head of Hydrology Division, Hydrology Division (CEWRE), UET, Lahore, Pakistan 3: Assistant Professor (CEWRE), UET, Lahore, Pakistan

Publication date: 2002-02-01

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Business ,  Hydraulic & Environmental Engineering
• By this author: Azhar Khan A. ;  Saeed Shah S.M. ;  Gabriel H.F.

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers