TOPMODEL: TEORIA INTEGRADA E REVISÃO TOPMODEL: integrated theory and review

The objective of the present work was to review the hydrological model TOPMODEL. This model is based on the variable source area concept. This dynamic and distributed feature of the watershed is simulated with two main parameters: (1) the topographic index that is a function of the contributing area and slope for each cell; and (2) the storage deficit that represents the available water in the soil. Its integrated theory is described and special attention was made to review papers that used the TOPMODEL for hydrograph forecasting, parameter sensitivity analysis and hypotheses modification.