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

Please cite SAGA whenever you use it for your publications:

doi:10.5194/gmd-8-1991-2015


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