The rational formula interpreted using a physically-based mathematical model

Abstract

A new interpretation is given for the rational formula in view of a mathematical model founded on the kinematic overland flow and Green and Ampt infiltration equations. The potential variability of the runoff coefficient with various rainfall and basin characteristics is demonstrated. Using the concept of hydrologic similarity, it is possible to predict the runoff coefficient in terms of several physically-based non dimensional parameters for homogeneous planar, rectangular basins. -Authors