Lowing, M.J., Reed, D.W. 1981. Recent advances in flood estimation techniques based on rainfall-runoff. Instn Civ. Engrs Conf., Flood Studies Report - Five Years On. Paper 6. Thomas Telford Ltd, London, 49–56.
Rainfall-runoff models are used in flood estimation for several distinct purposes. The unit hydrograph/losses model described in the Flood Studies Report is a simple one intended for the design of a hydrograph with peak of a given return period. Its simplicity was necessary to ensure applicability to ungauged catchments. The proper use of local data is a crucial part of the design method. Different rainfall-runoff models may be preferred for flood forecasting applications and studies of land use change. There is scope for improving the unit hydrograph approach, notably by refining the description of the excess rainfall distribution. Improvements in modelling flood response may follow the introduction of better indices of antecedent conditions. A network of representative basins is being drawn up with the aim of concentrating further efforts of analysis and prediction on smaller, more homogeneous catchments.