Graph-based Cellular Automata for Simulation of Surface Flows in Large Plains

Abstract

A cellular automata supported by a graph structure was developed for simulating surface flows in planes. Differing from the classical regular grids used by most cellular automata the present model is supported by a graph structure which provides higher flexibility to represent complex geographic domains with different scales. The model calculates the water transfer between adjacent cells based on a hydraulic equation assigned to the arcs of the graph. The model includes infiltration and evaporation sources in each cell. Comparisons against hydraulic measurement performed during flooding events show excellent agreement.