Catchment Modelling Introduction Catchment modelling refers to modelling spatially distributed hydrological processes over the entire catchment.

It is distinct from lumped-conceptual modelling which does not deal with spatial distribution of parameters. The importance of catchment modelling is to understand Influences of spatially distributed phenomena on the flood generation processes Spatial rainfall distribution Spatially distributed in catchment characteristics: slope, soil type, land use, underlying geology, etc. Surface-groundwater interactions, water allocation, wetlands modelling, etc. Consequently, catchment models can be embedded in decision support systems for catchment planning and management. Any catchment model can be used for rainfall-runoff modelling. Rainfall-runoff modelling is focused on quantifying the runoff occurrence, without necessarily looking into the processes of runoff generation. Catchment models have always some quasiphysical or physical representation of the runoff generation processes. Although rainfallrunoff modelling and catchment modelling can have the same target (accurate determination of runoff) usually they have different application focus. When the objective is only determination of runoff (especially for forecasting purposes) catchment models may not be necessary the best choice, and simpler, lumped-conceptual, empirical or data-driven models may be appropriate. Analysing influences of changes in the spatial characteristics of the catchment-, or the spatial characteristics of the flood generating rainfall - requires use of catchment modelling. Catchment modes, in order of increasing explicit representation of physical processes, can be of the following three types: Hydrological similarity models Combination of several lumped- conceptual models with channel routing Physically based distributed models Hydrological similarity models In this approach spatial catchment elements (areas, points) with similar hydrological responses (water balance, runoff generation) are classified and the hydrological responses (runoff generation) are then calculated for the identified classes of elements. Two groups of such models are observed: hydrological response unit (HRU) models and topographical similarity models. In HRU the units with similar hydrological response are identified by overlying different layers of spatial information (soil, geology, digital elevation, vegetation) using GIS. In topographical similarity models catchment elements

are identified as similar on the basis of a topographical index (area / slope) of the area. Typical example is TOPMODEL.

Combination of lumped conceptual models with channel routing In this approach the whole catchment is divided in sub-catchments, and for each subcatchment a lumped conceptual model is constructed. The outflows from the subcatchments are introduced into a 1-D representation of the river network, through which the total runoff is routed till the main outlet of the catchment. Frequent applications of this approach can be observed in combining NAM (rainfall-runoff lumped conceptual model) for the sub-catchments with 1-D channel routing models (e.g. with MIKE11). This approach allows to some extent the introduction of spatial variability hydrological parameters (and responses). If the channel geometry is known well then a sophisticated routing model can be developed.

Physically-based distributed models In physically-based distributed models processes are represented by one or more partial differential equations and equations and parameters are distributed in space. The principal mode of operation of a physically-based distributed model is illustrated in the following figure. Contrary to the lumped conceptual models a physically-based model does not consider the water flows in an area to take place a few storage units. Instead, the flows of water and energy are directly calculated from the governing continuum (partial differential) equations, such as the Saint Venant equations for overland and channel flow, Richards equation for unsaturated zone flow and Boussinesqs equation for groundwater flow. Distributed models are applied to catchments with complex channel network, varying spatial distribution of land use, soil type and vegetation cover, with complex aquifer system below the soil surface, etc. While flood modelling is of primary interest, such models allow studying the interactions between surface water and groundwater and the unsaturated zone. Spatial changes in these interactions can be analysed which may greatly influence the spatio-temporal pattern of flood generation. The principal advantages of physically-based distributed models are as follows: This modellng approach is ideally suited to solution of problems where changes are being made/proposed for the spatial distribution of parameters or the physical domain (e.g. changes in land use, introduction of significant storages, etc.). This approach can be used with some degree of confidence even when there is little data The major disadvantages of this modelling approach are: Intensive data requirements Need to determine large number of parameters Difficulties in finding best set of calibration parameters

Schematic diagram of a catchment and the quasi three-dimensional distributed physically-based model (from MIKE SHE)

References Abbott, M.B. and Refsgaard J.C. (Eds.) (1996) Distributed hydrological modelling. Kluwer Academic Pub.

Beven, K.J. (2001) Rainfall-runoff modelling the primer. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, New York. Chow, V.T., Maidment, D.R., and Mays, L.W. (1988) Applied hydrology. McGraw-Hill, Singapore.