Hydrographs are important for forecasting floods, as they are able to tell authorities the time they have until flooding occurs, the severity of the flood and the area that could possible be affected. It enables us to act towards either prevention (setting up levy's) or to escape the scene without harm.
The unit of hydrograph for an infinitesimally small duration of effective rainfall is called unit hydrograph. It represents the response of a watershed to a unit input of effective rainfall over time.
A hydrograph is showing the discharge (rate of flow) versus the time past in a specific river point. One of the types of hydrography is called a flood hydrograph, it is used to measure the river's characteristic basically a dual plot of discharge and rainfalls.
how do you compare and contrast hydrographs
Hydrograph lag time refers to the delay between the peak rainfall event and the peak discharge observed in a river or stream, as depicted on a hydrograph. This lag time is influenced by various factors, including the characteristics of the watershed, land use, soil saturation, and the nature of the rainfall itself. It is an important parameter for understanding flood dynamics and managing water resources, as it helps predict how quickly runoff will reach waterways after precipitation events.
the amount of discharge in a river over a period of time
To calculate the lag time of a hydrograph, you first identify the peak discharge point on the hydrograph and then locate the corresponding point where the rainfall event begins. The lag time is the time difference between the start of the rainfall and the peak discharge, typically measured in hours. This value helps in understanding the response of a watershed to precipitation events.
The shape of a storm hydrograph is influenced by factors such as precipitation intensity, duration, and distribution, as well as the characteristics of the watershed such as size, slope, soil type, land use, and vegetation cover. These factors determine how quickly water enters the river system and how quickly it moves through it, ultimately shaping the hydrograph.
IS the technique of determining flood hydrograph at a section of river
The peak rainfall is the highest amount of rain in a place on a hydrograph.
The relief of the land significantly influences a storm hydrograph by affecting how quickly water flows into rivers and streams. Steep terrain can lead to rapid runoff, resulting in a sharp rise in discharge on the hydrograph, while flatter areas may allow for slower, more prolonged runoff. Additionally, the presence of features like valleys and hills can create variations in drainage patterns, further impacting the timing and shape of the hydrograph. Overall, the topography plays a crucial role in determining the response of a drainage basin to storm events.
Total Volume of rainfall for that storm event
the time between the heaviest rainfall and the peak discharge