Kinematic wave modeling of overland flow using characteristics method with cubic-spline interpolation

Use of characteristics method integrated with cubic-spline interpolation technique (CSMOC scheme) for computation of one-dimensional and two-dimensional kinematic overland flow has been examined in this study. The characteristic trajectory is allowed to fall on space line and time line for interpolating the corresponding values at the foot of trajectory in terms of neighboring grid points. The effects of different endpoint constraints on use of cubic-spline interpolation are investigated. As far as accuracy and simplicity are concerned, the not-a-knot constraint could be a better choice. Three hypothetical examples are used to examine the capabilities of CSMOC scheme through the comparison with the analytical solution and the well-known Preissmann scheme. Some degrees of numerical diffusion and numerical oscillation, attenuating and overestimating the peak discharge, are induced by the Preissmann scheme. In contrast, the CSMOC scheme gives convincing results for the kinematic overland flow computations.