| Abstract: | In this paper the performance of two hydrological‐response models is evaluated and compared based upon simulations for a single rainfall–runoff event. The two models are QPBRRM, a relatively simple model of Horton overland flow, and InHM, a comprehensive physics‐based model of each of the known streamflow generation mechanisms. The rainfall–runoff event focused upon in this study is from the small rangeland catchment in Oklahoma known as R‐5. When calibrated, both QPBRRM and InHM are shown to effectively simulate the R‐5 event. The calibration procedures used in this study for QPBRRM and InHM were quite different. The calibration of QPBRRM was a curve fitting exercise, whereas the calibration of InHM was based upon an internally valid estimate of the continuous head field. In this study QPBRRM did not perform well outside of the calibrated range. The impact of the roads cutting across the R‐5 catchment is simulated with InHM and discussed for the first time in the study reported here. The relative merits of QPBRRM and InHM are each discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
