FINITE-ELEMENT DISTRIBUTED CATCHMENT MODEL .2. APPLICATION TO REAL CATCHMENTS

The analytical basis for a distributed catchment model within the framework of the finite-element method was described in Part I of this paper. In Part II, the authors describe a geometrical framework upon which the mathematical model is operated. This flexible framework is based upon the assumption that flow is normal to the topographical contours of the catchment. Thus the catchment is subdivided into strips which run from the top of slopes to main drainage paths in directions normal to the contours. These in turn are then discretized into elements which form the basic components of the finite-element analysis. The proposed discretization and the algorithm is used to simulate several storm hydrographs using data collected from two experimental catchments. The problems, limitations, probable sources of error and potential applications of the approach are discussed. © 1979.