Abstract

PAZ-PELLAT, Fernando. Myths and fallacies about the curve number hydrological method of the SCS/NRCS. Agrociencia [online]. 2009, vol.43, n.5, pp.521-528. ISSN 2521-9766.

The modeling of the rainfall-direct runoff relationship is a basic requirement in the dynamics of watersheds, especially when information is scarce. A simple model of this relationship is very attractive in hydrological applications. In this paper an analysis is made of the hypotheses intrinsic to the simple method of the curve number (NC) of the USDA Soil Conservation Service / Natural Resources Conservation Service. The basic formulation of the rainfall-direct runoff relationship of the NC method is revised with a focus on its implications, coming to the conclusion that it has no hydrological support.

Keywords : Intrinsic hypotheses; curve number method; rainfall-runoff relationship.