| Abstract: | We present the mathematical development and numerical solution of a new model of flow processes on an infiltrating hillslope. We also present validation and sample applications. The model is a distributed, mechanistic, physically based hillslope hydrologic model. The model describes the small‐scale processes associated with overland flow, erosion, and sediment transport on an infiltrating surface and is capable of capturing small‐scale variations in flow depth, flow velocities, interactive infiltration, erosion rates, and sediment transport. The model couples the fully two‐dimensional hydrodynamic equations for overland flow, the one‐dimensional Richards equation for infiltration, and a sediment detachment and transport model. Two simulations are presented highlighting the model's ability to capture and describe the interaction between precipitation, overland flow, erosion and infiltration at very small scales. Results of the two‐dimensional simulations indicate the system of equations produces hillslopes possessing characteristics of self‐organization as observed in real world systems. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
