Application of Genetic Algorithms to Computing Unit Hydrograph

In this paper, genetic algorithms and Collins method (GAs-Collins) are integrated to compute unit hydrograph (UH). On the basis of entropy principle and distribution function, this method regards hydrological system of the basin as a generalized set, simulates the UH of the runoff-routing with distribution function, searches the distribution function parameters with genetic algorithms(GAs), and the initial UH(IUH) can be obtained. Then, the Collins method is used to complete the final UH. According to the comparative analysis of actual case study, the GAs-Collins method has a more precise result than the other methods and it can also reveal the runoff-routing rule.