Hydrological Modelling Framework for Large-Scale Catchments using triangular nonhomogeneous spatial discretization

Abstract: 

In this work, we develop a hydrological model designed to simulate the water balance and runoff processes at the catchment-scale. Instead of using a rectangular grid discretization, the model represents the catchment using a non-homogeneous two-dimensional triangular mesh framework (similar to a triangular mesh in the Finite Element method). This discretization fits a more flexible representation of complex topography and land boundaries. The model is implemented in the Fortran programming language. It depends on the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to extract the flow pathways starting from upstream and reaching downstream. That guarantees a physically consistent and explicit flow-routing structure across the triangular mesh.

Evapotranspiration is calculated using the Penman–Monteith equation, as the parameters are considered to suit coastal climate conditions. The model utilizes temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and vapor pressure as atmospheric inputs. The SCS Curve Number method is used to estimate the surface runoff, considering slope, land cover, and soil properties. Meteorological data measurements, including precipitation, temperature, humidity, as well as inflow and outflow discharges, are integrated into the simulations.

Due to its efficient numerical structure, the model supports simulations with numerous spatial elements and long time series while maintaining the computational cost at its lowest limits. This makes it well-suited for large-scale watershed applications and provides a strong basis for future high-performance computing developments.

 

Keywords: hydrological modeling, watershed triangulation, flow routing, numerical simulation