Closed form solutions of the kinematic streamflow equations

Although kinematic streamflow had been previously thought of as occurring only under supercritical flow conditions, a recent study has shown that subcritical kinematic streamflow does in fact occur in natural conditions. However, the hydraulic and morphological reasons for this occurrence were not found.

This study is an attempt to gain insight into kinematic streamflow. By integrating the kinematic streamflow momentum equation under certain strict assumptions, a model was developed which allowed the prediction of downstream flow profiles at preselected points in time. Basically, only map data, an inflow hydrograph, and certain parameters which may be simulated are required as input to the models.

The output from the flow models was analyzed for its hydraulic and mathematical significance. It was found that the assumptions under which the models were derived severely limited their practicality, A first generation model was presented, however, which may be used as a basis for further research into the kinematic streamflow phenomenon.