Abstract

Dimensional analysis offers an ideal playground to tackle complex hydrological problems. The powerful dimension reduction, in terms of governing dimensionless groups, afforded by PI-theorem and related self-similarity arguments is especially fruitful in case of nonlinear models and complex datasets. After briefly reviewing these main concepts, in this lecture I will present several applications ranging from hydrologic partitioning (Budyko’s curve) and stochastic ecohydrology, to global weathering rates and soil formation, as well as landscape evolution and channelization.

Citation

Porporato, Amilcare (2020): Hydrology without Dimensions (John Dalton Medal Lecture). EGU General Assembly 4-8 May 2020.

This Paper/Book acknowledges NSF CZO grant support.