Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Application of the soil conservation service model in small and medium basins of the mountainous region of Heilongjiang, China

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rainfall and run-off prediction capabilities for flash flood need improvement in the high porn regions of mountain hazard, those caused massive distraction. At some point, these events result in a massive loss of life and property. This research demonstrates the application of soil conservation service (SCS), a hydrological model used to simulate the relationship between rainfall and run-off. The data cover a 62-year observation period of torrential rains and debris flows, which number up to thirty flow events, all occurring in the mountainous regions close to the Tieli watershed area. Rainfall hydrographs were generated for each of the said torrential rain cases and can be used as markers for flood warnings for critical rainfalls lasting from 1 to 24 h. The results show that the SCS model can successfully define the rainfall–run-off-water level relationship of small-medium-size catchments wherein the calculated run-off values show good agreement with measured discharges. Moreover, from the relationship of the water level and SCS calculated run-off is similar to the relationship obtained using measured run-offs. From this relationship, critical water levels that would correspond to the occurrence of a possibly devastating flood can be determined to provide for an early warning measure for the nearby regions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ajmal M et al (2015) Investigation of SCS–CN and its inspired modified models for runoff estimation in South Korean watersheds. J Hydro-environ Res 9(4):592–603

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anon (2008) Hydrological information forecasting specification (GB/T 22482–2008). China Standard Press, Beijing

    Google Scholar 

  • Anon (2017) Proceedings of the 18th international conference on distributed computing and networking. ed., Hyderabad, India, p 367.

  • Bardossy A, Das T (2008) Influence of rainfall observation network on model calibration and application. Hydrol Earth Syst Sci 12(1):77–89

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bazai NA, Cui P, Carling PA, Wang H, Hassan J, Liu D, Zhang G, Jin W (2021) Increasing glacial lake outburst flood hazard in response to surge glaciers in the Karakoram. Earth Sci Rev 212:103432

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bosznay MS (1989) Generalization of SCS Curve Number Method. J Irrig Drain Eng 115(115):139–144

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bouyoucos GJ (1962) Hydrometer method improved for making particle size analysis of soils. Agron J 54:464–465

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandrmohan T, Durbude D (2001) Estimation of runoff using small watershed models. Hydrol J 24:45–53

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen N et al (2010) The critical rainfall characteristics for torrents and debris flows in the Wenchuan earthquake stricken area. J Mount Sci 6:362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen Z, Liu X, Zhu B (2014) Runoff estimation in hillslope cropland of purple soil based on SCS–CN model. Trans Chin Soc Agric Eng 30(7):72–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Cui P, Jia Y (2015) Mountain hazards in the Tibetan Plateau: research status and prospects. Nat Sci Rev 2(4):397–399

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dahal RK, Hasegawa S (2008) Representative rainfall thresholds for landslides in the Nepal Himalaya. Geomorphology 100(3):429–443

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Elhakeem M, Papanicolaou AN (2009) Estimation of the runoff curve number via direct rainfall simulator measurements in the State of Iowa, USA. Water Resour Manag 23(12):2455–2473

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giannecchini R, Galanti Y, Avanzi GD (2012) Critical rainfall thresholds for triggering shallow landslides in the Serchio River Valley (Tuscany, Italy). Nat Hazard Earth Syst Sci 12(3):829–842

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greene RG, Cruise JF (1995) Urban watershed modeling using geographic information system. J Water Resour Plan Manag 121(4):318–325

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hadley RF, Schumm SA (1961) Sediment Sources and Drainage Basin Characteristics in Upper Cheyenne River Basin 1531:137–196

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins RH (1993) Asymptotic determination of runoff curve numbers from data. J Irrig Drain Eng 119(2):334–345

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins RH (1996) Discussion: SCS runoff equation revisited for variable-source runoff areas. J Irrig Drain Eng 122(5):319–320

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hosseini SM, Mahjouri N (2018) Sensitivity and fuzzy uncertainty analyses in the determination of SCS–CN parameters from rainfall–runoff data. Hydrol Sci J/journal Des Sciences Hydrologiques 63:457–473

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hosseini SM, Mahjouri N, Riahi S (2017) Closure to “Development of a Direct Geomorphologic IUH Model for Daily Runoff Estimation in Ungauged Watersheds” by Seiyed Mossa Hosseini, Najmeh Mahjouri, and Samaneh Riahi. J Hydrol Eng 22(6):07017002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huang M et al (2010) Use of soil moisture data and curve number method for estimating runoff in the Loess Plateau of China. Hydrol Processes 21(11):1471–1481

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ipcc et al (2013) The physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

  • Jiao P et al (2015) Conceptualizing antecedent runoff condition using recurrence relation to modify SCS model. Trans Chin Soc Agric Eng 31(12):132–137

    Google Scholar 

  • King KW, Balogh JC (2008) Curve numbers for golf course watersheds. Trans ASABE 51(3):987–996

  • Li CJ, Ma TH (2011) Reflections on the catastrophic debris flow event in Zhouqu County: how to minimize casualties? Geol Rev 57(5):687–698

    Google Scholar 

  • Li LI et al (2012) Distributed application of SCS model to flood simulation in middle reaches of Yellow River. J Hohai Univ 40(1):104–108

    Google Scholar 

  • Li M, Yuan S, Xiaojun G (2011) Heilongjiang province mountain torrent disaster survey and prevention measures. Heilongjiang Sci Technol Water Conserv 5:149–150

    Google Scholar 

  • Ma T et al (2014) An effective antecedent precipitation model derived from the power-law relationship between landslide occurrence and rainfall level. Geomorphology 216:187–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McIntyre, D. S. and Loveday, J. 1974. Bulk density. In Loveday J (ed) Metode of analysis for irrigated soil, vol 54. Common Wealth Agricultural Bureau of Technical Communication, Farnham Royal

  • Melesse AM, Shih SF (2002) Spatially distributed storm runoff depth estimation using Landsat images and GIS. Comput Electron Agric 37(1):173–183

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra SK et al (2005a) Field applicability of the SCS–CN-based Mishra-Singh general model and its variants. Water Resour Manag 19(1):37–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra SK et al (2005b) Catchment area-based evaluation of the AMC-dependent SCS-CN-based rainfall–runoff models. Hydrol Process 19(14):2701–2718

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra SK, Singh VP (2003) Soil conservation service curve number (SCS–CN) methodology. Springer, Berlin

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra SK, Singh VP (2010) Validity and extension of the SCS–CN method for computing infiltration and rainfall-excess rates. Hydrol Processes 18(17):3323–3345

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra SK et al (2006) SCS–CN-based modeling of sediment yield. J Hydrol 324(1):301–322

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ponce VM, Hawkins RH (1996) Runoff curve number: has it reached maturity? J Hydrol Eng 1(1):11–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qu M, Ming J (2014) Mountain torrent disaster survey evaluation in Heilongjiang province in near future. Heilongjiang Sci Technol Water Conserv 9:30–32

    Google Scholar 

  • Romero P et al (2007) Curve Number Values for Olive Orchards under Different Soil Management. Soil Sci Soc Am J 71(6):1758–1769

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rozalis S et al (2010) Flash flood prediction using an uncalibrated hydrological model and radar rainfall data in a Mediterranean watershed under changing hydrological conditions. J Hydrol 394(1–2):245–255

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • SCS (1972a) (Soil Conservation Service), National engineering handbook, part 630 hydrology. Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  • SCS (1972b) Soil conservation service, national engineering handbook. USDA, Washington, D.C

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma D, Kumar V (2002) Application of SCS model with GIS database for estimation of runoff in an arid watershed. J Soil Water Conserv 30(2):141–145

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma T et al (2001) Hydrologic response of a watershed to land use changes: A remote sensing and GIS approach. Int J Remote Sens 22(11):2095–2108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi ZH et al (2009) Research on the SCS–CN initial abstraction ratio using rainfall-runoff event analysis in the Three Gorges Area, China. CATENA 77(1):1–7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singer MJ, Tate KW (2000) Applicability of SCS curve number method for a California Oak woodlands watershed. J Soil Water Conserv 55(2):226–230

    Google Scholar 

  • Steenhuis TS et al (1995) SCS Runoff Equation Revisited for Variable-Source Runoff Areas. J Irrig Drain Eng 121(3):234–238

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun L, Song C, Zhang X (2012) Development potential and basic analysis of modern agriculture in Heilongjiang Province. Heilongjiang Sci Technol Water Conserv 1:256–257

    Google Scholar 

  • Tan WP, Han QY (1992) Study on regional critical rainfall indices of debris flow in Sichuan Province. J Catastrophol

  • Tsihrintzis VA, Hamid R (2010) Urban stormwater quantity/quality modeling using the SCS method and empirical equations. J Am Water Resour Assoc 33(1):163–176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veihmeyer FJ, Hendrickson AH (1949) Methods of measuring field capacity and permanent wilting percentage of soils. Soil Sci 68(1):75–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Viji R, Prasanna PR, Ilangovan R (2015) Modified SCS–CN and Green–Ampt methods in surface runoff modelling for the Kundahpallam Watershed, Nilgiris, Western Ghats, India. Aquat Procedia 4:677–684

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wen G (2017) Application of modified SCS model in runoff simulation for medium- and small-sized basins in Heilongjiang Province. Hohai University, Master

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilcox BP et al (1990) Predicting runoff from rangeland catchments: a comparison of two models. Water Resour Res 26(10):2401–2410

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang YCE et al (2015) Estimation of flood damage functions for river basin planning: a case study in Bangladesh. Nat Hazards 75(3):2773–2791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yanyu LU, Tian H, Centre AC (2015) Mechanism-oriented approach for estimating critical rainfall of flood disaster: a case study based on HBV model. Meteorol Month 41:755–760

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang G, Cui P, Yin Y, Liu D, Jin W, Wang H, Yan Y, Ahmed BN, Wang J (2019) Real-time monitoring and estimation of the discharge of flash floods in a steep mountain catchment. Hydrol Process 33(25):3195–3212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou C, Ren S, Yan M (2008) Application of SCS model to simulate rainfall-runoff relationship in Wenyu river basin in Beijing. Trans Chin Soc Agric Eng 3(6):e2359

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41941017) as well by Major International (Regional) Joint Research Project (Grant No. 41520104002) and Second Tibet Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program (STEP) (Grant No. 2019QZKK0906). The research was sponsored by the CAS-TWAS President's Fellowship for international Ph.D. students.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory for Mountain Hazards and Earth Surface Process, CAS Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, People’s Republic of China

    N. A. Bazai, P. Cui, K. F. Cui, H. Wang, G. T. Zhang & D. Z. Liu

  2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100039, People’s Republic of China

    N. A. Bazai, P. Cui, K. F. Cui, H. Wang, G. T. Zhang & D. Z. Liu

  3. CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, People’s Republic of China

    P. Cui & H. Wang

  4. Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    H. Wang

  5. College of Agronomy, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, People’s Republic of China

    K. J. Zhou & S. Abdul

Authors
  1. N. A. Bazai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. P. Cui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. K. J. Zhou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. S. Abdul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. K. F. Cui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. H. Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. G. T. Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. D. Z. Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

PC was involved in conceptualization, investigation, resources and supervision; NAB helped in methodology, data curation and validation, writing—original draft; KFC contributed to formal analysis and writing—review and editing; HW, KJZ and AS was involved in methodology and writing—review and editing; DZL and GTZ helped in software and validation.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Cui.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Editorial responsibility: Samareh Mirkia.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bazai, N.A., Cui, P., Zhou, K.J. et al. Application of the soil conservation service model in small and medium basins of the mountainous region of Heilongjiang, China. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol. 19, 433–448 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-021-03136-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-021-03136-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation