Verification of Rational Method in Predicting Maximum Runoff using Radar Data (Case Study: Ramiyan Basin)

Forecasting maximum discharge of the basin requires accurate information on the amount, severity and distribution of precipitation. For prediction of maximum runoff of a basin using relationship of Q = 0.278 CiA, the rainfall intensity in the whole basin is considered constant. The amount of precipitation in different parts of a basin is obtained through interpolation methods. This method is known as duration-area. Because rainfall is a very variable parameter, probability of an unpredictable estimate of precipitation is high. In this study, using the radar data, the amount and severity of rainfall over the basin were obtained. (intensity-duration-area method). Basin concentration time lines were prepared in G.I.S. Software. Coordinates of environment and area of the curves were defined for radar and its implementation program was written in radar software. Then amount and severity of precipitation were estimated by the radar. Because volume was directly used, the relationship changed. The maximum runoff was simulated and compared with observation runoff. Maximum runoff was high in severe rainfall. If soils of basin were already wet, maximum runoff was high. Conditions were different in low rainfall. If the severity of the rainfall was low and then increased, the amount of runoff was more than expected. If the intensity was high and then decreased, the amount of runoff was lower. This was the result of the spatial and temporal dispersion of precipitation in maximum runoff. Time delay between maximum runoff and simulation in severe rainfall was short. And time lag in ordinary and low rainfall was long. Using a constant runoff coefficient does not estimate maximum runoff value accurately. Due to the characteristics of rainfall (intensity, amount, duration, spatial and temporal distribution) and soil moisture characteristics of the soil, various coefficients should be used.