Explain how the physical features of a drainage basin affect the shape of storm hydrographs

Question 1

Large drainage basin leads to

Answer 1

catch more precipitation and have a higher peak discharge than smaller basins. Smaller basins generally have shorter lag times because precipitation does not have as far to travel.

Question 2

If the drainage basin is already saturated………..

Answer 2

surface runoff increases due to the reduction in infiltration. Rainwater enters the river quicker, reducing lag times, as surface runoff is faster than baseflow or through flow

Question 3

a drainage basin has a significant amount of vegetation, this will have a significant effect on a storm hydrograph. Vegetation does what