Hydrographs

Question 1

What does a storm hydrograph usually refer to?

Answer 1

• individual storm or group of storms of no more than a few days

Question 2

Before a storm starts, what is the main supply of water to a stream?

Answer 2

• groundwater flow or baseflow

Question 3

What happens during a storm?

Answer 3

• some water infiltrates into soil + some flows over surface
• reached river quickly: rapid rise in lvl of river

Question 4

What does stream discharge occur as a result of?

Answer 4

• surface runoff + groundwater springs
• lakes + meltwater in mountainous envi.

Question 5

What are the factors affecting regime/character of resulting stream or river?

Answer 5

• amount + nature of pptn
• local rocks, esp. porosity + permeability
• shape of drainage basin, its area + slope
• amount + type of veg. cover
• amount + type of soil cover

Question 6

What is the most important factor determining stream regime on an annual basis?

Answer 6

• climate

Question 7

What can storm hydrographs usually be separated into?

Answer 7

• flashy hydrographs: short lag time + high peak discharge
• subdued hydrographs: long lag time + low peak discharge