Distributed Parameter Watershed Sedimentation Model

Authors

Patricia M. Witinok, Iowa Geological SurveyFollow
Gene Whelan, Battelle N.W. Laboratories

Document Type

Research

Keywords

Distributed model, kinematic model, sediment production, watershed modelling, erosion

Abstract

The model developed herein uses a detailed geometric description of the watershed and incorporates the kinematic wave approximation of the equations of motion, superposition, and time-lag methods to analyze flood and sediment flows. The watershed is broken down along tributary divides into subcatchments, which are divided along lines of steepest slope into "streamtubes." These streamtubes are further divided according to slope into "segments," such that topographic parameters of each segment are spatially constant over the segment. The flow from the streamtube enters the channel at the mid-point of the stream tube bordering the channel. This point is called a "node." Channel routing is performed from node to node. A unique node numbering and coding system is defined to efficiently order the computations along the streamtubes and channel sections for any arbitrary streamtube pattern. Sediment detachment capacity is expressed as a power function of shear stress and a function of the Universal Soil Loss Equation. Sediment transport capacity is expressed as a power function of shear stress. The rate of sediment transport is computed by substituting the transport and detachment capacity equations into the sediment continuity equation. The model is applied to Ralston Creek, an agricultural watershed in Iowa City, Iowa. Results of this analysis are presented and applicability to other watersheds is discussed.

Publication Date

September 1980

Journal Title

Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science

Volume

87

Issue

3

First Page

103

Last Page

111

Copyright

©1980 Iowa Academy of Science, Inc.

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

Recommended Citation

Witinok, Patricia M. and Whelan, Gene (1980) "Distributed Parameter Watershed Sedimentation Model," Proceedings of the Iowa Academy of Science, 87(3), 103-111.
Available at: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol87/iss3/5