An integrated, physically based model for arid region flash flood prediction capable of simulating dynamic transmission loss

This paper outlines a physically based model developed for prediction of both arid region flash floods and associated transmission loss. It is based on coupling numerical solutions of the St Venant equations and the kinematic wave equation for channel and overland flow routing, respectively, with the Richards' equation for the determination of infiltration. These hydrological components are integrated in one comprehensive model for the above-mentioned purposes. The robustness of the model and its components have been tested and it has then been applied to a medium-size catchment in an arid region. The results indicate that reasonable simulations can be achieved with a minimum of calibration, but point to problems of representing input rainfall conditions with the necessary time and space resolutions.