Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical Processes

Abstract Canopy interception represents the initial phase of rainfall redistribution across the land surface and is crucial for hydrological and ecological processes. This study proposes a novel theoretical model of canopy interception based on the microphysical processes of raindrops within the can...

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Main Authors: Zixi Li, Fuqiang Tian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
Series:Water Resources Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1029/2024WR038296
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author Zixi Li
Fuqiang Tian
author_facet Zixi Li
Fuqiang Tian
author_sort Zixi Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Canopy interception represents the initial phase of rainfall redistribution across the land surface and is crucial for hydrological and ecological processes. This study proposes a novel theoretical model of canopy interception based on the microphysical processes of raindrops within the canopy. The model incorporates physical parameters pertinent to canopy characteristics, such as the attachment retention coefficient and the pinning proportion coefficient. Both the basic and simplified model forms of canopy interception during rainfall events have been derived. Further elaborations of the model account for stem flow, the surface evaporation during rainfall, and other conditions. The model parameters are clearly defined, physically meaningful, and can be directly estimated using detailed canopy structure data. This estimation process is now more feasible than ever due to advances in high‐resolution lidar technology. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted to validate the movement patterns of raindrops in the canopy, establish model parameters, validate the models' accuracy, and compare the applicability of the two model forms.
format Article
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institution Kabale University
issn 0043-1397
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publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Wiley
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series Water Resources Research
spelling doaj-art-eeeaee40064d487ca5c453bc6810dcfd2025-08-20T03:31:27ZengWileyWater Resources Research0043-13971944-79732025-06-01616n/an/a10.1029/2024WR038296Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical ProcessesZixi Li0Fuqiang Tian1Department of Hydraulic Engineering State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing ChinaDepartment of Hydraulic Engineering State Key Laboratory of Hydroscience and Engineering Tsinghua University Beijing ChinaAbstract Canopy interception represents the initial phase of rainfall redistribution across the land surface and is crucial for hydrological and ecological processes. This study proposes a novel theoretical model of canopy interception based on the microphysical processes of raindrops within the canopy. The model incorporates physical parameters pertinent to canopy characteristics, such as the attachment retention coefficient and the pinning proportion coefficient. Both the basic and simplified model forms of canopy interception during rainfall events have been derived. Further elaborations of the model account for stem flow, the surface evaporation during rainfall, and other conditions. The model parameters are clearly defined, physically meaningful, and can be directly estimated using detailed canopy structure data. This estimation process is now more feasible than ever due to advances in high‐resolution lidar technology. Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted to validate the movement patterns of raindrops in the canopy, establish model parameters, validate the models' accuracy, and compare the applicability of the two model forms.https://doi.org/10.1029/2024WR038296canopy interceptionmicrophysical processesmodel derivation and extensionmodel parameterssimulated rainfall experiments
spellingShingle Zixi Li
Fuqiang Tian
Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical Processes
Water Resources Research
canopy interception
microphysical processes
model derivation and extension
model parameters
simulated rainfall experiments
title Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical Processes
title_full Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical Processes
title_fullStr Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical Processes
title_full_unstemmed Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical Processes
title_short Derivation and Validation of a Theoretical Canopy Interception Model Based on Raindrop Microphysical Processes
title_sort derivation and validation of a theoretical canopy interception model based on raindrop microphysical processes
topic canopy interception
microphysical processes
model derivation and extension
model parameters
simulated rainfall experiments
url https://doi.org/10.1029/2024WR038296
work_keys_str_mv AT zixili derivationandvalidationofatheoreticalcanopyinterceptionmodelbasedonraindropmicrophysicalprocesses
AT fuqiangtian derivationandvalidationofatheoreticalcanopyinterceptionmodelbasedonraindropmicrophysicalprocesses