Mathematical Models for Ungaged Watersheds with Potential for Quantifying the Effect of Land Use Changes on Streamflow

摘要

There has been a growing need in the United States to Quantify the impact on watershed hydrology of such land use changes as urbanization, forest clearing, surface mining, construction and agricultural practices. This is required to satisfy federal legislation and anticipate the potential impacts so that ecological and environmental detriment can be minimized. The study was undertaken to evaluate existing mathematical models for simulation of streamflow from watersheds with insufficient hydrologic data. Response time and hydrograph characteristics were included in evaluation. On recognizing limitations of these models and taking advantage of experience with their use, a mathematical model based on drainage network characteristics was developed. Its parameters are affected by land use changes. Therefore, the effect of these changes can be quantified.