U.S. Geological Survey
Water-Resources Investigations Report 99-4242

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Estimation of Potential Runoff-Contributing Areas in Kansas Using Topographic and Soil Information

Abstract

Digital topographic and soil information was used to estimate potential runoff-contributing areas throughout Kansas. The results then were used to compare 91 selected subbasins representing soil, slope, and runoff variability. Potential runoff-contributing areas were estimated collectively for the processes of infiltration-excess and saturation-excess overland flow using a set of environmental conditions that represented very high, high, moderate, low, very low, and extremely low potential runoff. For infiltration-excess overland flow, various rainfall-intensity and soil-permeability values were used. For saturation-excess overland flow, antecedent soil-moisture conditions and a topographic wetness index were used.

Results indicated that very low potential-runoff conditions provided the best ability to distinguish the 91 selected subbasins as having relatively high or low potential runoff. The majority of the subbasins with relatively high potential runoff are located in the eastern half of the State where soil permeability generally is less and precipitation typically is greater. The ability to distinguish the subbasins as having relatively high or low potential runoff was possible mostly due to the variability of soil permeability across the State.

Additional information on the TMDL Project in Kansas can be found at: http://ks.water.usgs.gov/studies/TMDL/

Juracek, K.E., 1999, Estimation of Potential Runoff-Contributing Areas in Kansas Using Topographic and Soil Information: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 99-4242 29 p.

To request a paper copy of this publication, email: GS-W-KS_info@usgs.gov