Abstract
In this first paper of two, a numerical simulation model capable of simulating the spatial variability of rainfall partitioning within a canopy is presented. The second paper details how the model is parameterized, and some testing of its capabilities. The first stage of the model is to derive the mature canopy structure. This is achieved through simplified individual tree structures and a random placement routine based on a modified Poisson distribution. Following this the spatial discretization for throughfall is attained as a series of layers of triangles with a tree trunk at every apex. The number of layers is derived from the leaf area index through a modified Poisson distribution. Seasonal variation in the deciduous canopy is simulated through a time vector routine. The rainfall partitioning section of the model is based upon the Rutter model which has been modified to each individual triangle layer. The main feature of this model is that it offers a method of simulating rainfall partitioning at a scale that is a function of the size of the elementary physical components (tree and leaf scale). This can be used to investigate soil moisture variations under a canopy, or to study the variations within the forest hydrological processes themselves. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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