Using of Spectral Estimations for Determination of Smoothed Unit Hydrograph

Historical researches concerning unit hydrograph (UH) demonstrate significant variation and presence of noise due to error in measurements and the assumption of linearity in rainfall–runoff relation. In this study, first, the UH is calculated for 16 storm events based on The least square method in a 449 hectare basin located in the vicinity of Riesel city, USA. In order to recognize noise frequencies, spectrums of the UHs are calculated for each UH by Fourier transformation. The results obtained from the spectral analysis are used for the noise reduction of the UH via a normal - weighted moving average method. From 16 smoothed UHs, one UH is selected as the representative UH of the basin by cross-validation method. The results showed that the methods of the weighted moving average and cross– validation are suitable for obtaining a non – oscillatory and unique UH