An experimental study of the application of kinematic-wave theory to overland flow

Abstract

An experimental test to evaluate the accuracy of kinematic-wave theory as applied to overland flow over a rough, uneven surface is described. The depression storage, and the hydraulic roughness for flows without rain were measured in separate tests; the hydraulic roughness for flows under rain was calculated from the rising limbs of the runoff hydrographs from a series of simulated storms. Recession curves were calculated using kinematic wave theory. The close agreement between experimental and calculated recessions showed the accuracy of this theory in predicting the behaviour of flows over the rough uneven surface. Hysteresis was observed in the storage-discharge curves; this was also expl..