A computer-based project to transform rainfall into runoff hydrograph using a small watershed case study.
Project objective
Develop a rainfall-runoff model for a small catchment using design rainfall, curve number, time of concentration, and unit hydrograph concepts.
Suggested materials or data
- Catchment boundary map
- Rainfall data or IDF curve
- Excel, Python, or web calculator
- DEM for slope and drainage length
Step-by-step workflow
- Delineate catchment area and drainage length.
- Estimate land use and curve number.
- Select design rainfall duration and return period.
- Compute runoff depth and generate hydrograph.
- Compare peak discharge for different land-use scenarios.
Minimum deliverables
- Catchment map
- Hydrology calculation workbook
- Hydrograph plots
- Technical report
How to make it stronger
Add an urbanization scenario and show how impervious area changes peak flood.
Tip: Keep the scope small enough to finish, but document assumptions, limitations, drawings, calculations, and photos properly. That makes the project look professional even if the model is simple.