KINEMATIC OVERLAND-FLOW - GENERALIZATION OF ROSE APPROXIMATE SOLUTION

The approximate kinematic overland flow equation for parallel-sided planar surfaces proposed by Rose et al. has been generalized to a form that includes a water surface profile shape factor. Rose's equation assumes that transient water surface profiles can be approximated by the shape of the steady-state water surface profile using the steady-state shape factor ( equals 0. 625). As a further development of his approach shape factors have been derived for rectangular, triangular and parabolic profiles. The rectangular profile approximates the actual profile during the early part of the overland flow hydrograph rise, while the steady-state profile approximates the profile near the hydrograph peak (or steady-state runoff). The water surface profile approaches a triangular or parabolic shape during the latter stages of the hydrograph recession.