Modelling Catchment and Fluvial Processes and their Interactions - Environmental Modelling: Finding Simplicity in Complexity - page 193

direction of unit discharge through a meander bend when
simulated using the two approaches. Such similarities
provide confidence in the use of similar approaches in
the representation of longer timescales, such as in the
development of alluvial fans (Nicholas and Quine, 2011).

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11.4 Concluding remarks

We have seen how catchments are defined by the flow
networks that landscapes generate as a function of their
topography. These flow networks can be represented
within a geographical information system and can
facilitate the modelling of hydrological processes at the
catchment scale in a distributed manner such that the
processes of precipitation, interception, evapotranspi-
ration, infiltration and recharge can be calculated for
individual cells or patches and routed between them
towards the catchment outlet. We have examined the
interaction between these catchment processes and
those that operate in channels, and demonstrated that
catchment hydrology needs to evaluate these interactions
holistically, or serious errors of representation will result.
These errors will be significant over event timescales as
well as over millennial timescales.
We have reviewed the main types of model applied at
the catchment scale and highlighted some of the best of
these. Further we have seen some of the complexities of
modelling at the catchment scale and some of the obstacles
to improving these models. Finally we have looked at some
of the simple but key controls on catchment behaviour
that emerge from the connected interaction of spatial,
temporal and process complexity at the catchment scale.
Catchment behaviour at scales from the magnificent
Amazon through to the most modest drainage system is
still poorly understood. Studies of catchment response
to meteorological events, climate change and land-use
change is confounded by the interacting effects of spatial
variability, spatio-temporal variation, process complexity
and scaling not to mention the scarcity and paucity
of hydrological data at these scales. We are only just
beginning to understand the simple outcomes that result
from flow connectivity across these complex, spatially
organized systems. Distributed modelling has far to go
but distributed data has much further. Whilst distributed
modelling can help us understand the inner workings
of catchments and the interactions within and between
them, massive advances in data acquisition are required
before they can reach their full worth in practical as well
as academic enterprise.

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Briant, R.M., Mottram, G. and Wainwright, J. (forthcoming)
Coupling records of fluvial activity from the last interglacial-
glacial cycle with climate forcing using both geochronology and
numerical modelling, Global and Planetary Change .