CONCEPTUAL CATCHMENT MODEL PARAMETER TRANSFER INVESTIGATIONS IN THE SOUTHERN CAPE

Two conceptual catchment models, using monthly data, have been calibrated on five catchments in the Southern Cape coastal region. Although the parameters of the two models discussed do not have any direct physical meaning, approximate graphical relationships between catchment slope and some of the major runoff generating parameters are suggested for this region. These relationships were found to be useful in providing guidelines for the transfer of parameters into three test catchments. The results of this parameter transfer approach are compared with the results of using already published regional parameter values for one of the models. An improved set of regional parameters which can perform as well as the transferred parameters in most of the catchments studied, is suggested.