Rainfall-runoff model considering microtopography simulated in a laboratory erosion flume

Abstract

A comprehensive process-based rainfall-runoff model for simulating overland flow generated in rills and on interrill areas of a hillslope is evaluated using a laboratory experimental data set. For laboratory experiments, a rainfall simulator has been constructed together with a 6.50 m × 1.36 m erosion flume that can be given adjustable slopes changing between 5 % and 20 % in both longitudinal and lateral directions. The model is calibrated and validated using experimental data of simulated rainfall intensities between 45 and 105 mm/h. Results show that the model is capable of simulating the flow coming from the rill and interrill areas. It is found that most of the flow occurs in the form of rill flow. The hillslope-scale model can be used for better prediction of overland flow at the watershed-scale; it can also be used as a building block for an associated erosion and sediment transport model.