Abstract The nonlinear Muskingum model is traditionally calibrated using a constant exponent parameter. A recent study has proposed a discontinuous function of the exponent parameter that has substantially improved model performance. This paper evaluates model performance using continuous and discontinuous parameters, expressed as a function of dimensionless inflow variable. The parameters were represented by discontinuous (two-step) function and continuous (three-coefficient) function, resulting in five—parameter nonlinear Muskingum model (5P-NLMM) for each scheme. Two continuous functions (logarithmic and exponential) were evaluated using two flood routing procedures: the Modified Euler’s (ME) routing procedure and the FourthOrder Runge-Kutta (FORK) routing procedure. The continuous functions and routing procedures were integrated into the Muskingum model. The five parameters of the model were determined using optimization based on minimizing the deviations from observed outflows. The model was applied to three examples with different hydrograph types. The continuous parameter (with ME or FORK) substantially outperformed the discontinuous parameter for smooth and nonsmooth hydrographs, and vice versa for multipeak hydrograph. Guidelines for model selection for different types of hydrographs are presented.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Evaluation of nonlinear Muskingum model with continuous and discontinuous exponent parameters


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2015-05-01


    Size :

    10 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





    New nonlinear variable-parameter Muskingum models

    Niazkar, Majid / Afzali, Seied Hosein | Online Contents | 2017


    New nonlinear variable-parameter Muskingum models

    Niazkar, Majid / Afzali, Seied Hosein | Springer Verlag | 2017