Hydrological response of a small catchment located in extremely humid monsoonal climate - the Maw-Ki-Syiem case study (Cherrapunji, Meghalaya Plateau, India)

摘要

abstract_textpThe study is focused on hydrological response of a catchment to rainfall in extremely humid monsoonal climate region at the Meghalaya Plateau (India) near Cherrapunji. This area has been rarely investigated due to the lack of the detailed hydro-meteorological data. Hourly rainfall data were collected between 1999 and 2009 and hydrological data obtained for the Maw-Ki-Syiem experimental catchment (0.22 km(2)) was used to calibrate hydrological models (SCS-CN and GIUH) and to model river runoff during rainy periods in 2005. Hydrographs revealed rapid responses of the catchment to heavy rainfall. The rising limb and recession limb were very steep and coincided with hourly course of rainfall. A hydrological response with a maximum flow lower than 2.5 m(3).s(-1) and the maximum specific flow lower than 11 m(3).s(-1).km(-2) was observed for the rainfall of less than 20 mm.h(-1). Precipitation higher than 80 mm.h(-1), resulted in a maximum flood peak higher than 24 m(3).s(-1) and a maximum specific flow exceeding 109 m(3).s(-1).km(-2). The maximum specific flow in the Maw-Ki-Syiem experimental catchment is one of the highest recorded values in the world./p/abstract_text