Application of the Muskingum-Cunge routing method with variable parameters in a gauged creek reach

Abstract

In general, the Muskingum-Cunge method is used to route floods when observed flood data are not available. In this study, applicability of the Variable Parameter Muskingum-Cunge (VPMC) flood routing method was investigated in a gauged creek reach. The reach was between two stream gauging stations. Some physical characteristics of the reach, such as length, bed slope, cross sections, and Manning’s coefficient (n), were determined by using digital topographical map of the reach, inflow, and also outflow data of the two stream gauging stations. The HEC-HMS hydrological model was used to route the inflow hydrograph through using the VPMC method. In conclusion, observed and computed outflow hydrographs were compared and it was seen that the VPMC flood routing method was suitable for the gauged creek reach, which was the subject of this study.