Flood hydrographs

Question 0

Lag time

Answer 0

The difference in hours and minutes between the time of maximum precipitation and the time of peak discharge

Question 1

Falling limb

Answer 1

The decline in discharge which occurs after peak flow

Question 2

Rainfall intensity

Answer 2

The amount of rain that falls in a given time ( e.g mm per hour, mm per 15 mins)

Question 3

Base flow/ Slow flow

Answer 3

The contribution to river flow from long term storage sources such as permeable rocks

Question 4

Storm flow/ Quick flow

Answer 4

The part of river flow derived from the immediate rainfall event. The most rapid transfer if water occurs overland via through flow

Question 5

Rising limb

Answer 5

The increase in discharge in response to a rainfall event until leak flow is reached

Question 6

Peak flow

Answer 6

The maximum discharge by a river or stream in response to a rainfall event

Question 7

Flashy river

Answer 7

A river that responds quickly to a rainfall event. Water levels rise and fall quickly. Peak flows, though short lived, are often high

Question 8

Hydrograph

Answer 8

A graph showing the rate of discharge in a river at a certain point showing the seasonal change