A procedure for estimating runoff from convective storms in the semiarid Southwest is needed for the design of small hydraulic structures. The aim of this study was to develop and test rainfall and runoff relationships based on the analysis of 12 years of hydrologic data for an 18-square mile experimental watershed. rhe experimental area is divided into four subwatersheds ranging in size from 0.5 to 7.8 square miles, Vegetation and soils are typical of what is encountered in the valley floors of southern Arizona. Rainfall is measured at 29 locations. Isohyetal maps were prepared for all of the storms which lead to the development of a rainfall model that describes the distribution of rainfall in space. An exponential relationship was found to adequately represent the spatial variation of each storm. A single equation for all storms was developed by using a parameter that is related to the storm center depth. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov procedure was used to test the hypothesis that storm center location is governed by chance in areas not influenced by topographic changes. It was found that the assumption which states that convective storm cells are randomly located within valley floors is acceptable. An equation was derived for calculating point rainfall probabilities from raingage network data, The results were based on the random location of storm centers and on an extremal distribution function fitted to storm center depths. The calculated probabilities were found to be significantly higher than the observed probabilities determined from a nearby, long-term U. S. Weather Bureau station. The volume of runoff from small, semiarid watersheds was found to be a function primarily of mean rainfall. In a multiple linear regression model, mean rainfall accounted for 67 to 82 percent of the variance. The use of a time distribution factor which includes the maximum 15-minute intensity reduced the unexplained variance to 11 to 16 percent. Inserting a space distribution variable into the model indicated that storm center location on the watershed was not a significant factor in predicting runoff. An antecedent rainfall index did not produce any significant correlation with runoff from convective storms. For winter frontal storms, however, a four-day antecedent rainfall index was found to be an important factor in oxplaining runoff. It appears that the commonly used Soil Conservation Service method underestimates convective storm runoff for most storm center depths below about three inches. A direct comparison with the multiple regression equation was not possible as this method does not take into account the variability of convective rainfall in time and space. As a means for estimating runoff volumes for ungaged watersheds, a runoff coefficient was defined as the ratio of runoff to effective rainfall (mean rainfall less initial abstractions). It appears that as a first approximation, the runoff coefficient can be considered as being equal to the coefficient in the well known rational formula. There is some evidence to the belief that the runoff coefficient is affected by a storm's time distribution factor. It was demonstrated that runoff volume recurrence intervals can be determined adequately from the rainfall and runoff relationships developed in this study.

A mathematical model was developed to integrate the physical concepts needed to predict the concentration of tebuthiuron in runoff and soil water. The model is based on a mass balance equation combined with a hydraulic routing equation and a solute transport equation in soil water. These equations are linked by a diffusion-controlled release of solutes from soil water to runoff. Field experiments were conducted on the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed in southeastern Arizona. A rotating-boom rainfall simulator was used to apply simulated rainfall to paired 3 x 11 m plots. The model was tested using rainfall simulator data after the application of tebuthiuron on a dry and on a wet soil. Rainfall, runoff, sediment and soil moisture content were sampled along with tebuthiuron concentration in soil, runoff and sediment. The results showed that the model represented the observations found in the field, though tebuthiuron concentrations in runoff were overestimated in the early stages of the runoff events.

This study was designed to provide a physical and ecological analysis of paired watersheds in the semi-arid western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) woodlands of Central Oregon. Instrumentation and monitoring was accomplished in Jensen and Mays watersheds as the preliminary portion of a longer term project. Instrumentation was designed to address changes in the erosional processes, hydrology, and vegetation on a watershed scale. Instrumentation was setup to assist in the comparison and calibration of water flow out of the watersheds. This information will be used in the long-term study in conjunction with the treatment of the western juniper overstory on one of the watersheds. Determination of the study area in each watershed required extensive reconnaissance with the assistance of aerial photos, topographic maps, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Mapping of the study areas was accomplished with GIS and Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Watersheds were paired according to specific characteristics that influence treatment effects. Flume types were chosen with respect to precipitation intensity and frequency with placement being more a function of watershed topography and channel morphology. Upland sedimentation and erosion measurement required intense acknowledgement of both abiotic as well as biotic characteristics. Analysis showed the watersheds to be similar in size, percent juniper, grass and bare soil cover, topography, and precipitation frequency and intensity. Differences were obtained relative to erosional processes, area of different soil types and channel discharge. Further monitoring and calibration should provide greater insight into the comparison of these components of the study. / Graduation date: 1996

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 1968. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (p. 42-45). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D. in Soil Science)--University of California, Berkeley, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 110-126).

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 1982. / Map folded in pocket. Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 61-65). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Civil & Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004. / Dr. Paul Work, Committee Member ; Dr. Philip Roberts, Committee Member ; Dr. Mustafa Aral, Committee Chair ; Dr. Terry Sturm, Committee Member ; Dr. Turgay Uzer, Committee Member. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 442-466).

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