| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: SWMHMS is a conceptual computer modeling program developed to simulate monthly runoff from a small nonurban watershed. The input needed to run model simulations include daily precipitation, monthly data for evapotranspiration determination (average temperature, crop consumptive coefficients, and percent daylight hours), and six watershed parameter values. Evapotranspiration was calculated with the Blaney-Criddle equation while surface runoff was determined using the Soil Conservation Service curve number procedure. For watershed parameter evaluation, SWMHMS provides options for both optimization and sensitivity analysis. Observed runoff data are required along with the model input previously mentioned in order to conduct parameter optimization. SWMEIMS was tested with data from six watersheds located in different regions of the United States. Model accuracy was generally found to be very good except on watersheds having substantial snowfall accumulation. In having only six watershed parameters, SWMHMS is less complex to use than many other computer programs that calculate monthly runoff. Consequently, SWMHMS may find its greatest application as an educational tool for students learning principles of hydrologic modeling, such as parameter evaluation procedures and the impacts of input data uncertainty on model results. |
