FEM–GIS based channel network model for runoff simulation in agricultural watersheds using remotely sensed data

Abstract

Event based rainfall-runoff simulation is very important in water resources management. In this paper, an integrated watershed model considering important hydrological processes has been presented for the event based runoff simulation. Green–Ampt–Mein–Larson model has been used for the estimation of infiltration. For runoff estimation, kinematic wave equations are solved for a channel network using finite-element method. Remotely sensed data have been used for evaluating land use/land cover data. Geographical information systems have been used for the preparation of digital elevation model and various thematic maps. The developed integrated model has been applied to Harsul watershed in India. Calibration of the model has been carried out using six rainfall events and validation with four rainfall events. From the results, it is seen that the model is able to simulate the hydrographs with reasonable accuracy. A sensitivity analysis of the model has also been carried out. The developed model is useful for runoff estimation in small watersheds.

Keywords:

• Channel network
• finite-element method
• geographical information systems
• remotely sensed data
• runoff simulation