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A two-dimensional numerical model coupled with multiple hillslope hydrodynamic processes and its application to subsurface flow simulation

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Abstract

A numerical hillslope hydrodynamic model is of great importance in facilitating the understanding of rainfall-runoff mechanism. However, most of the currently existing models do not consider the effect of coupled hydrodynamic processes as runoff, subsurface flow or groundwater flow. In this study, the Tsinghua Hillslope Runoff Model based on multiple hydrodynamic process, THRM model, is developed, which couples with Saint Venant equation for surface runoff and Richards equation for variably saturated soil water movement (including subsurface flow and groundwater flow). A finite difference scheme with improved boundary conditions is adopted in this research. It is revealed from the simulation that the THRM model has a high computational efficiency and stability in simulating subsurface flow of the experimental hillslope, which is valuable in assessing the hillslope runoff generation mechanism. A model based sensitivity analysis is also carried out. The impact of boundary condition, grid size and initial soil moisture on simulation result and model stability are revealed, which provides insightful references to understand the mechanism of subsurface flow.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Hydro-Science and Engineering, Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

    Min Lan, HongChang Hu, FuQiang Tian & HePing Hu

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  1. Min Lan
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  2. HongChang Hu
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  3. FuQiang Tian
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  4. HePing Hu
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Correspondence to HongChang Hu.

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Lan, M., Hu, H., Tian, F. et al. A two-dimensional numerical model coupled with multiple hillslope hydrodynamic processes and its application to subsurface flow simulation. Sci. China Technol. Sci. 56, 2491–2500 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-013-5347-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11431-013-5347-6

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