The influence of the pattern of moving rainstorms on overland flow

This study emphasizes the importance of spatial rainfall intensity patterns of moving rainstorms on overland flow. A simple numerical model, based on the non-linear kinematic wave, was used for comparing the results for hypothetical storms moving up and down an impervious plane surface. Simulations were undertaken by varying the storm pattern, length, speed and direction. No account was made for time varying losses, such as infiltration, evaporation, etc. The results indicate significant differences in peak discharges and hydrograph shapes for moving storms of various patterns. The sensitivity of runoff to storm patterns decreases as storm speed increases.