Modelling a river catchment using an electrical circuit analogue

An electrical circuit analogue of a river catchment is described from which is derived an hydrological model of river flow called the River Electrical Water Analogue Research and Development (REWARD) model. The model is based upon an analytic solution to the equation governing the flow of electricit y in an inductance-capacitance-resistance (LCR) circuit. rin interpretation of L, C and R in terms of catchment parameters and physical processes is p roposed, and tested for the Riser Irwell catchment in northwest England. Hy drograph characteristics evaluated using the model are compared with observ ed hydrographs, confirming that the modelling approach does provide a relia ble framework within which to investigate the impact of variations in model input data.