physical factors affecting discharge Flashcards
1
Q
what are the 4 physical factors affecting
A
- drainage basin
- vegetation
- precipitation
- soil/rock type
2
Q
how does drainage basin affect
A
- circular= short lag time, steep limb
- high drainage density= flashy
- if basins already saturated with atecendent overland flow will increase
3
Q
how does soil/rock type affect
A
- impermeable= overland flow increase and infiltration reduced
- sandstone= subdued as infiltration increase
4
Q
how does vegetation affect
A
- thick vegetation will mean more interception and a slower process through the ground to the river
- water lost through evaporation and infiltration, means less to the river
5
Q
how does precipitation affect
A
- heavy storms =high discharge
- lag time is long if snow falls as it needs to melt
