Improving Curve Number Runoff Estimates Using Dual Hydrologic Soil Classification and Potential Contributing Source Areas Delineation Methods

Runoff models such as the Curve Number (CN) model are dependent upon land use and soil type within the watershed or contributing area. In regions with internal drainage (e.g. wetlands) watershed delineation methods that fill sinks can result in inaccurate contributing areas and estimations of runoff from models such as the CN model. Two methods to account for this inaccuracy have been 1) to adjust the initial abstraction value within the CN model;or 2) to improve the watershed delineation in order to better account for internal drainage. We used a combined approach of examining the watershed delineation, and refining the CN model by the incorporating of dual hydrologic soil classifications. For eighteen watersheds within Wisconsin, we compared the CN model results of three watershed delineation methods to USGS gaged values. We found that for large precipitation events (>100 mm) the CN model estimations are closer to observed values for watershed delineations that identify the directly connected watershed and use the undrained hydrologic soil classification.

Comparison of Three Delineation Methods Using the Curve Number Method to Model Runoff

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are spatial grids which are used to automate watershed boundary determination. Sinks are present within most DEMs. In order to easily process the watershed boundary, the sinks are reassigned to elevation equivalent to an adjacent cell. The derived DEM is called a “filled” DEM. Due to its relative simplicity, the use of the “filled” DEM is one of the most widely used methods to delineate watershed boundaries and works well in about 70 percent of the watersheds in the US. In landscapes with internal drainage, sinks may accurately represent these depressions. In this study, we compare two delineation methods that do not fill in sinks to another method that does fill in sinks. We examined ten gaged watersheds in Wisconsin and Minnesota. We found the spatial extent of the watersheds from the three methods were significantly different. To evaluate the delineation methods, we modeled ten runoff events using the Curve Number (CN) method and compared them to USGS gage discharge for each watershed. For small storms we found that there were no significant differences in the modeled runoff for three delineation methods. For large storms, we found the no-fill methods had a smaller error, but overall the difference was insignificant. This research suggests that capturing internal drainage by the delineation does not have much of an impact on the widely used CN model.

Probabilistic Properties of a Curve Number:A Case Study for Small Polish and Slovak Carpathian Basins

The proper determination of the curve number （CN） in the SCS-CN method reduces errors in predicting runoff volume. In this paper the variability of CN was studied for 5 Slovak and S Polish Carpathian catchments. Empirical curve numbers were applied to the distribution fitting. Next, theoretical characteristics of CN were estimated. For loo-CN the Generalized Extreme Value （GEV） distribution was identified as the best fit in most of the catchments. An assessment of the differences between the characteristics estimated from theoretical distributions and the tabulated values of CN was performed. The comparison between the antecedent runoff conditions （ARC） of Hawkins and Hjelmfelt was also completed. The analysis was done for various magnitudes of rainfall. Confidence intervals （CI） were helpful in this evaluation. The studies revealed discordances between the tabulated and estimated CNs. The tabulated CNs were usually lower than estimated values; therefore, an application of the median value and the probabilistic ARC of Hjelmfelt for wet runoff conditions is advisable. For dry conditions the ARC of Hjelmfelt usually better estimated CN than ARC of Hawkins did, but in several catchments neither the ARC of Hawkins nor Hjelmfelt sufficiently depicted the variability in CN.

On relationship between curve numbers and phi indices

The curve number and phi(4)-index models each provide a simple one-parameter relationship between storm-event rainfall and runoff. It is shown that the curve number and 4-index models can both be used to segregate the rainfall hyetograph into initial abstraction, retention, and runoff amounts. However, the principal advantages of the 4-index model are that both rainfall distribution and duration can be explicitly taken into account in calculating runoff, and the 4 index is more physically based than the curve number. The quantitative relationship between the curve number and the 4 index is presented and validated with field measurements. Knowing the relationship between the curve number and the 4 index is useful in that it facilitates using the extensive database of curve numbers in the more realistic 4-index model in calculating a runoff hydrograph from a given rainfall hyetograph. It is demonstrated that conventional adjustments to curve numbers can be largely explained by variations in storm duration, which suggests that variable rainfall duration can possibly be an essential factor in accounting for deviations from the median curve number of a catchment.

Comparison of SCS and Green-Ampt Methods in Surface Runoff-Flooding Simulation for Klang Watershed in Malaysia

The main aim in this research is comparison the parameters of some storm events in the watershed using two loss models in Unit hydrograph method by HEC-HMS. SCS Curve Number and Green-Ampt methods by developing loss model as a major component in runoff and flood modeling. The study is conducted in the Kuala Lumpurwatershed with674 km2 area located in Klang basin inMalaysia. The catchment delineation is generated for the Klang watershed to get sub-watershed parameters by using HEC-GeoHMS extension in ARCGIS. Then all the necessary parameters are assigned to the models applied in this study to run the runoff and flood model. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the SCS-CN and Green-Ampt loss method applied in the Klang watershed. Estimated direct runoff and Peak discharge (r = 0.98) indicates a statistically positive correlations between the results of the study. And also it has been attempted to use objective functions in HEC-HMS (percent error peaks and percent error volume) to classify the methods. The selection of best method is on the base of considering least difference between the results of simulation to observed events in hydrographs so that it can address which model is suit for runoff-flood simulation in Klang watershed. Results showed that SCS CN and Green-Ampt methods, in three events by fitting with percent error in peak and percent error in volume had no significant difference.

径流曲线数模型在湖南省山区小流域的优化与应用

径流曲线数模型(Soil Conservation Service Curve Number Model,简称SCS-CN模型)可以利用降雨资料估算径流,对水资源合理配置和山洪灾害预警具有重要意义,因为其方便计算、参数简单,而被广泛应用。目前标准SCS-CN模型在山区小流域的适用性欠佳,因此需要对模型参数进行优化以提高预测精度。本文以湖南省螺岭桥流域为例,根据实测降雨径流资料优化径流曲线数CN(Curve Number)查算表,并利用步长优化参数算法研究初损率对模型精度的影响,将优化模型的方法应用于湖南省凤凰小流域,验证该优化方法的可靠性。结果分析表明:与标准SCS-CN模型相比,优化后的SCS-CN模型效率系数NSE从0.576提升至0.813,决定系数R^(2)为0.858。将模型优化方法验证于气候地形条件相似的凤凰流域,模型NSE值提高117%。通过预测径流深与实测径流深比较,优化模型模拟精度较为理想,对湖南省山区小流域场次降雨产流预报有一定的参考意义。

黄土高原小流域考虑坡度影响的径流曲线数优化

坡度对产流过程有重要影响,将SCS-CN模型中的径流曲线数进行坡度修正对于提升模型预测精度具有重要意义,为了进行流域平均坡度在产流过程中的影响探究,以Huang坡度修正公式为基础,利用王家沟流域1955-1981年期间70场降雨径流实测资料中的前40场作为验证期资料,重新率定了Huang坡度修正公式中的a1,a2两个参数,提出了适用于王家沟流域的3种不同前期土壤湿度条件下的CN值坡度修正公式,以此建立了具有良好区域适用性的SCS-WJG方法并与SCS-CN查表法和直接移用Huang坡度修正公式的SCS-Huang方法进行比较。结论如下:使用遍历法确定的降雨初损率λ值为0.09,故标准值0.2不适用于王家沟流域。对比3种方法求出的CN值大小后发现使用SCS-Huang方法求出的CN值最大,SCS-CN查表法次之,SCS-WJG方法最小,从结果来看使用SCS-WJG方法进行模拟的精度更高,故用其计算得到的CN值更适用于王家沟流域。对比SCS-CN查表法与SCS-Huang方法后发现SCS-Huang方法纳什效率系数较低且均方根误差较高,因此提出适用于王家沟流域的CN值坡度修正公式并建立SCS-WJG方法是有必要的。当λ=0.09时,SCS-CN查表法,SCS-Huang方法的纳什效率系数分别为-2.85,-3.25,而SCS-WJG方法的纳什效率系数提高到了0.86,与前两种方法相比,SCS-WJG方法的均方根误差分别降低了77%,78%。SCS-WJG方法的模拟精度明显优于其余两种方法,说明SCS-WJG方法具有良好的区域适用性,可为小流域产流模拟提供参考。

基于精细化数据的广州市番禺区内涝淹没风险研究

[目的]利用精细化测绘调查数据开展城市降雨径流过程模拟,旨在盘活国土资源数据资产和促进城市内涝风险精准管控。[方法]以广东省广州市番禺区为研究区,基于高精度的地形和建筑数据,采用SCS-CN径流模型和GIS技术,模拟不同强度暴雨情境下的城市内涝淹没深度,定量分析研究区内涝淹没风险空间分布特征,同时结合承灾体灾损经验模型,对洪灾损失风险进行评估,识别高发易损规划管理单元。[结果]①番禺区内涝淹没风险区空间上呈现河涌与城市低洼地区聚集状态,临近市桥—沙湾水道、三枝香—大石水道的街镇存在着较高的淹没风险。②随着暴雨强度增加,农业用地和建设用地将受到最严重的影响。③在100a一遇暴雨情形下,番禺区4个规划管理单元处于高损失风险,损失主要来自住宅建筑,而处于中等损失风险的单元主要面临农业耕地淹没损失。[结论]通过精细化的测绘数据建模,从地块级别成功识别了番禺区潜在易淹没高损失区域,与实际情况较为符合,提高了风险研判的精细度,能够为城市内涝治理和海绵城市规划建设高质量发展提供技术支持。

Coupling analysis of short-term weather and runoff in an arid lake basin of China

Changes in the weather will cause variations in the hydrological system.Arid areas,with fragile hydrological systems,are very sensitive to changes in the weather,so the coupling analysis of short-term weather and runoff in arid areas is of great significance.The Daihai Lake is a closed inland lake in an arid area of China.In this paper,Weather Research and Forecasting model mode-Hydrological module(WRF-HYDRO)is used to simulate the coupling of weather and hydrology in the Daihai Lake Basin.Regional optimization of WRF-HYDRO is carried out to determine the optimal parameters.The optimal WRF-HYDRO model is applied to couple the short-term weather and runoff in the Daihai Lake Basin to reproduce several rainstorm and flood events.It is found that runoff infiltration parameter(REFKDT)in WRF-HYDRO is the parameter that has the most severe effect on runoff in the Daihai Lake Basin.WRF-HYDRO can capture the rainstorm moment of the rainstorm events in the Daihai Lake Basin,especially the first rainstorm moment,and its simulation accuracy is good.WRF-HYDRO has a strong ability to capture flood peak,but there is a discrepancy between WRF-HYDRO flood peak and Soil Conservation Service Curve Number(SCS-CN)calculation result at the flood peak moment.The northern part of Zuoyun County should guard against the occurrence of flood disaster in wet season.The coupling of weatherand hydrology can not only make up for the lack of runoff data in arid basins,but also provide a basis for water resources management and disaster prevention and mitigation in the basins.

Economic valuation of water storage function of forest ecosystems (case study: Zagros Forests, Iran)

Forest ecosystem services contribute to human welfare, both directly and indirectly. Here the economic value of water conservation by Bazoft basin located in Zagros forests in western Iran was estimated, using simulation models and Geographic Information System （GIS） as a tool for analyzing the effects of ecological factors on ecosystem services. Rainfall-runoff simulation was carried out by using Curve Number （CN） method in HEC-HMS model. The model requires the inputs of land cover, soil and short term rainfall and discharge data. The efficiency of simu-lated model was revised using observed data and doing calibration stages. The role of forest on water retention and surface runoff reduction by devising four hypothetical scenarios and then the effects of land use changes associated with these scenarios on rainfall-runoff behavior of the region were determined. The results show that under the case of scenario one which assumes that the entire of basin area is covered by forests, total outflow would be in the minimum amount and rainfall initial loss will increase. Forest hydrological services related to water retention was economically assessed using Replacement Cost Method. Valuation results show that each hectare of Bazoft forests can store 84.8 m3 water with 0.5 US$/m3 annual value. So the water retention value of each hectare of these forests will be 43US$. This could have positive economic consequences for the region and would help decision-makers in selecting appropriate and economically feasible development strategies.

Evaluating the Effect of Land Cover, Seasonality and Delineation Method on Runoff at the Watershed Scale

The aim of this study was to determine if runoff estimates from the curve number model were affected by seasons for different land covers. Eighteen watersheds with varying land covers were delineated using three methods. The delineation methods differ in how internal drainage is evaluated. Runoff estimates from storms for spring, summer, and fall were compared to observed runoff from USGS gaging station data. Errors (difference between estimate runoff and observed runoff) were found to be highest for fall by 3% for all the two delineation methods which do not consider internal drainage. Watersheds were categorized by their dominant land cover (agriculture, forest, or urban). Seasonal differences were found to be significant for certain land covers. The greatest differences between observed and estimated data were found in agriculture and urban especially spring versus fall for all delineations. Forest land cover was found to have no seasonal difference for all three delineation methods. The research suggests that this work contributes to the growing body of research suggesting that vegetative seasonal differences have a greater impact on runoff than is accounted for in the runoff model.

滇池西岸山地区域SCS-CN模型优化

[目的]模拟计算滇池西岸山洪产流量,为该区面山截洪设施的修建,减少山洪灾害和保护滇池水环境提供科学决策的依据。[方法]基于SCS-CN产流模型,选取昆明滇池西岸山地区域2019,2020年的33场实测降雨径流数据,通过坡度结合前期影响雨量对CN值进行分级优化设定。采用穷举法对λ进行优化取值。再以2021年的19场实测降雨径流数据验证优化SCS-CN模型的模拟精度及其参数适用性。[结果]①采用坡度及前期影响雨量分级优化得到的CN值仅适用于降雨量<30 mm的中小型降雨;对于降雨量≥30 mm的强降雨,需根据场次降雨前5 d的降雨总量采用线性内插法对标准SCS-CN模型中AMC等级进行修改,再确定对应的坡度CN修正值。②适合滇池西岸山地区域中小型降雨和强降雨的最佳初损系数λ值分别为0.15,0.2。③经验证,中小型降雨和强降雨下的NSE值分别为0.8522,0.7978,模型合格率分别为93.33%和75%。[结论]优化的SCS-CN模型用于滇池西岸山地区域<30 mm的中小型降雨和≥30 mm的强降雨情况下的产流计算是可行的,可为该区地表径流预测及SCS-CN模型的进一步优化提供科学依据和理论参考。

HEC-HMS模型在不同水文气象分区中的改进

采用前期影响雨量Pa替换前5 d降水量以评估前期土壤湿润程度、线性内插增加CN值的分级以及根据不同水文气象分区选用适宜初损率λ等改进措施对HEC-HMS半分布式水文模型产流模块中的SCS-CN方法进行改进,并于县北沟、呈村、平和3个中小流域进行验证,探讨了反算法率定SCS模型参数的局限性;通过率定不同流域前期影响雨量下的最适宜CN值(C_(x))并回归C_(x)-P_(a)关系,分析了实际湿润程度随前期影响雨量变化的规律。研究结果表明,当湿润区和半湿润区流域初损率取值0.05和0.20时HEC-HMS模型能取得较好的模拟精度。

不同土壤湿度和雨强下径流曲线模型的改进

前期土壤湿度条件和降雨强度是影响径流曲线(SCS-CN)模型径流量预测精度的重要因素。分析不同流域下二者对SCS-CN模型性能的影响,对提高模型预测精度至关重要。基于5个半干旱半湿润和湿润流域的降雨径流资料,利用偏相关分析和K-均值聚类改进SCS-CN模型。结果表明:在重新划分前期土壤湿度条件区间后,模型预测能力大幅度提升,有效降低模型平均偏差,纳什效率系数平均提高42.8%。基于最大10 min雨强对SCS-CN模型改进后,纳什效率系数得到一定提高,且半干旱半湿润流域的提升幅度略大于湿润流域。改进的模型在研究流域都取得较好的效果,平均偏差均低于7 mm;除呈村流域非汛期外纳什效率系数均达到0.93,平均提升89%;均方根误差平均降低29.2 mm。

清水河流域场次洪水输沙特性及关键影响因素

[目的]揭示水沙对关键环境因子的响应规律,以期为促进黄河流域水土保持综合治理提供理论基础。[方法]利用清水河流域场次洪量和输沙量数据,基于径流侵蚀功率理论和随机森林等方法系统分析了清水河流域场次洪水输沙特性及其关键影响因素。[结果]流域产洪输沙量呈现显著的空间分异特性,影响不同子流域洪水输沙过程的主要参量有所区别。随机森林结果表明在小量级洪水频发的区域主要影响因素为径流深、洪水历时与洪峰流量,而在中量级洪水频发的区域则分别为径流深、洪峰流量与平均流量。在侵蚀产沙的解释变量中引入表征径流过程的复合指标更能综合体现天然降水和流域下垫面属性对次洪过程侵蚀产沙的影响,其拟合精度相较于传统的径流-输沙关系更高。[结论]相比于传统的径流深、平均流量或者洪峰流量等单一径流参量指标,径流侵蚀功率更适宜描述次洪尺度水沙关系。

Modelling surface runoff using the soil conservation service-curve number method in a drought prone agro-ecological zone in Rwanda

Runoff farming is reported to improve land productivity and crop yields in hot and dry climates.This study was conducted to assess the available rainwater that can be harvested in a conserved catchment in a drought prone agro-ecological zone.The study was carried out in the Cyili sub-catchment,southern province of Rwanda,which has an irregular rainfall pattern and unexploited runoff water.Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number method (SCS-CN),CROPWAT model version 8 and Hazen model with an average daily rainfall data recorded from 1971 to 2016 were applied to estimate the runoff and water requirements in the study area.Findings of the study revealed that more than half rainfall water received in the catchment was lost through runoff (229.8 mm) and effective rainfall was lower (246.9 mm) than the actual crop water requirement for maize (330 mm).The expected seasonal surface runoff volume to be harvested by the farmers was 3008 m3 ha-1 per season and 1.29 × 106 m3 per season for the entire whole sub-catchment (430 ha).Based on Hazen model,the return period of low rainfall (dry spell) event would be expected every 2 years with a 98% probability of occurrence.Cyili sub-catchment has higher potential runoff volume to stabilize the deficit of water demand in the period of short rainy season.This suggests that rainwater harvesting through supplementary irrigation is an option to improve the crop yield in the dry period as well as in the annual dry season.

Spatial mapping and testing the applicability of the curve number method for ungauged catchments in Northern Ethiopia

Understanding the spatial variability of land and water resources has significant importance for its planning,management,and utilization.It is also significant in understanding the response behavior of a catchment in order to model the basic physical processes.In this study,a weighted overlay analysis technique using ArcGIS was implemented for developing a geo-database of the standard curve number(SCN)in a catchment around Northern Ethiopia.The spatial data were used to investigate a'standard curve number method'for the simulation of the direct runoff at the outlet of the catchment.Both spot based rainfall and runoff measuring techniques were adopted for deriving an instant observed flow measurement,and to make a comparison with the simulated flow values.The results showed that the model underestimated most of the simulated values with a coefficient of regression of R^(2)=0.52,with a proportion of higher variances between the simulated and observed runoff events.The result suggests that the accuracy of the model leaves room for significant improvement and the method could not be easily adopted in the catchment and other similar catchments in the semi arid regions of Ethiopia.For improving the prediction capacity of the model,further research in adjusting loss factors in the method is recommended.It is also suggested for developing a localized and modified SCN values by considering geologic,climatic and seasonal variation.The results of this study and the maps generated can be used for improving the hydrological understanding of the catchment.The study is useful for further investigation of the SCN methodology in other un-gauged catchments around the world.

径流曲线数法在黄土高原地表径流量计算中的应用

坡面径流是土壤侵蚀发生的基本动力 ,径流量计算是定量估算水土流失和进行水土保持效益评价的关键步骤。径流曲线数法是美国农业部开发的计算地表径流量的经验模型 ,它有使用简单、有效 ,且适用于资料匮乏地区等优点。介绍了径流曲线数法的基本原理和计算方法 ,并以陕西安塞 2 5个小区的降雨径流资料 (次降雨 )为基础 ,计算了黄土高原地区不同下垫面条件下的曲线数 (CN )值大小 ,并分析研究了 CN值和各影响因子间的关系 ,对该模型在黄土高原地区使用的有效性也进行了评定。

SCS-CN径流模型中CN值确定方法研究

径流计算是区域径流量预报和水土资源评价模型中的重要组成部分。SCS-CN径流模型是一种常用的径流计算方法。径流曲线数(CN)是SCS-CN模型中反映降雨前流域特征的一个综合参数。用北京密云石匣3个小区实测降雨径流资料,用平均值法、中值法、算术平均值法、S对数频率分布法以及渐近线法来反推CN值,并用反推的CN值计算了径流深。用模型效率系数、相关系数和合格率比较了这5种方法确定的CN值计算径流深的优劣。结果表明:从模型有效系数来看,渐近线法得到的模型有效系数最好;从相关系数和合格率来看,算术平均值法的结果最好。相对于渐近线法来讲,算术平均值法计算CN简单,因此建议在计算CN值时用算术平均值法。

应用地理信息进行无资料地区流域水文模拟研究

无资料或资料缺乏地区的流域径流模拟是水文学研究中的一个重要的课题。提出了应用地理信息系统分析流域的地理信息参数，进行降雨径流模拟的水文模型。该模型中，产流计算采用美国水土保持局（ＳＣＳ）的径流曲线数法，流域汇流则采用经本文作者改进的三角形单位线。着重阐述了利用地理信息系统，从流域的地理信息中分析和确定模型参数，还简要介绍了该模型在爱尔兰Ｄｏｄｄｅｒ河上的应用情况。