Developing and Evaluating the Composite Runoff Index Geographic Model for Urban Rainfall-Runoff Modeling

<p>Urban runoff index estimation, which has traditionally been a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, is a fundamental problem for modeling watershed runoff especially for growing cities that lack stream gages worldwide. The research developed and evaluated the composite runoff index (RIc) geographic model (© 2005-2006 Pravara Thanapura. Use with permission)—an area-weighted parameterization scheme-based remote sensing and GIS methodology—for efficiently and effectively estimating the critical input as required by the most widely used single-parameter rainfall-runoff techniques: the curve number (CN) for the Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve-Number (NRCS-CN) method and the runoff coefficient (C) for the rational method. The RIc geographic model, as developed using Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and demonstrated in Las Vegas, Nevada, provides an improved scheme for effective drainage design, analysis, and water management in urban ungaged areas. This, in turn, should help prevent uncertain local and downstream flooding during unusual rainfall events, and potentially reduce loss of life and damage to property, and thus could enhance public safety, economic development, and quality of life.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation - University Access Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

Year

2011

Author dc:creator

• Thanapura, Pravara

Contributors dc:contributor

• Edwin T. Engman

• Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright © 2011 Pravara Thanapura. All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/638

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1638