COMPARISON OF 1-D AND 2-D MODELING OF OVERLAND RUNOFF AND SEDIMENT TRANSPORT

One-dimensional and two-dimensional modeling approaches were compared for their abilities in predicting overland runoff and sediment transpo rt. Both 1-D and 2-D models were developed to test the hypothesis that the 2-D modeling approach could improve the model predictions over th e 1-D approach, based on the same mathematical representations of phys ical processes for runoff and sediment transport. The models developed in this study were applied to overland areas with cross slopes. A hyp othetical case and an experimental study reported by Storm (1991) were used. Based on the simulation results from the selected hypothetical case and experimental study, the 2-D model provided better representat ion of spatial distribution of flow depths and sediment concentrations than the 1-D model. However, no significant differences in prediction s of total runoff volume and sediment yield at the outlet area were fo und between the 1-D and 2-D models.