<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Understanding and modelling the processes of flood runoff generation is still a challenge in catchment hydrology. In particular, there are issues about how best to represent the effects of the antecedent state of saturation of a catchment on runoff formation and flood hydrographs. This paper reports on the experience of mapping saturated areas using measured water table by piezometers and more qualitative assessments of the state of the moisture at soil surface or immediately under it to provide information that can usefully condition model predictions. Vegetation patterns can also provide useful indicators of runoff source areas, but integrated over much longer periods of time. In this way, it might be more likely that models will get the right predictions for the right reasons.</p></abstract>

Understanding and modelling the processes of flood runoff generation is still a challenge in catchment hydrology. In particular, there are issues about how best to represent the effects of the antecedent state of saturation of a catchment on runoff formation and flood hydrographs. This paper reports on the experience of mapping saturated areas using measured water table by piezometers and more qualitative assessments of the state of the moisture at soil surface or immediately under it to provide information that can usefully condition model predictions. Vegetation patterns can also provide useful indicators of runoff source areas, but integrated over much longer periods of time. In this way, it might be more likely that models will get the right predictions for the right reasons.

Comparison of saturated areas mapping methods in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic

T. G. Masaryk Water Research Institute, Podbabska 30/2582, Prague, Czech Republic.

Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, United Kingdom. / Department of Earth Sciences, GeoCentrum, Villavägen 16, Uppsala 75263, Sweden.

Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Bocni Str. II/1401, 141 31, Prague, Czech Republic.

Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Thakurova 7, 166 29, Prague, Czech Republic.

Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics

Understanding and modelling the processes of flood runoff generation is still a challenge in catchment hydrology. In particular, there are issues about how...

Comparison of saturated areas mapping methods in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic

Published Online: Apr 04, 2014

Page range: 160 - 168

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2014-0002

Keywords
Mapping variable source areas, Boot method, Piezometers, Vegetation mapping

This content is open access.

Comparison of saturated areas mapping methods in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic

Published Online: Apr 04, 2014

Page range: 160 - 168

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/johh-2014-0002

KeywordsMapping variable source areas, Boot method, Piezometers, Vegetation mapping

This content is open access.

Keywords
Mapping variable source areas, Boot method, Piezometers, Vegetation mapping