Tool NameTopographic Wetness Index
Tool ID20
Library IDta_hydrology
Version1.0
Author(s)O.Conrad (c) 2003

Description

Calculates the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) using the supplied rasters for slope (Beta), specific catchment area (SCA), and optional transmissivity (T) when the soil profile is saturated:

TWI = ln(SCA / tan(Beta))

or with transmissivity

TWI = ln(SCA / (T * tan(Beta)))

References

Beven, K.J., Kirkby, M.J. (1979): A physically-based variable contributing area model of basin hydrology. Hydrology Science Bulletin 24(1), p.43-69.

Böhner, J., Selige, T. (2006): Spatial Prediction of Soil Attributes Using Terrain Analysis and Climate Regionalisation. In: Böhner, J., McCloy, K.R., Strobl, J.: SAGA - Analysis and Modelling Applications. Göttinger Geographische Abhandlungen, Vol.115, p.13-27. PDF

Moore, I.D., Grayson, R.B., Ladson, A.R. (1991): Digital terrain modelling: a review of hydrogical, geomorphological, and biological applications. Hydrological Processes, Vol.5, No.1. doi:10.1002/hyp.3360050103


Parameters

NameTypeIdentifierDescriptionConstraints
Input
Slopegrid, inputSLOPE
Catchment Areagrid, inputAREA
Transmissivitygrid, input, optionalTRANS
Output
Topographic Wetness Indexgrid, outputTWI
Options
Area ConversionchoiceCONVAvailable Choices:
[0] no conversion (areas already given as specific catchment area)
[1] 1 / cell size (pseudo specific catchment area)
Default: 0
Method (TWI)choiceMETHODAvailable Choices:
[0] Standard
[1] TOPMODEL
Default: 0