Transformation of spatio-temporal rainfall fields into spatio-temporal runoff with a focus on extreme events

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The transformation of rainfall into runoff is an important process of the hydrological cycle. With the commonly used linear model assumptions it is not possible to represent the highly non-linear transformation in space and time. Hence, the knowledge about the influencing factors of this transformation is essential for an adequate representation. The aim of the present project is to investigate the aforementioned transformation in dependence on physiographic and climatic factors. Rainfall-runoff simulations will be carried out for a variety of catchments in Austria using a hydrological model with different spatial resolutions. Spatial gradients of rainfall and runoff will be investigated comparatively as well as rainfall and runoff rates as function of the catchment scale. Spatial runoff patterns will be compared with those of physiographic and climatic factors to analyze their impact on the spatial-temporal transformation process. Due to the high variability of the investigated catchments ranging from lowlands to mountainous regions general conclusions can be drawn. The innovation of this project is the symmetric investigation of rainfall and runoff regarding their spatial and temporal variability, with a focus on extreme events and water budget. The project results are important for the prediction of future runoff under data shortage and changing climatic conditions.