Hydrograph Flashcard

Front

What is a hydrograph?

Back

A hydrograph is a graphical representation of the flow of water in a river or stream over time, showing how discharge changes in response to rainfall or snowmelt.

Front

What does the rising limb of a hydrograph represent?

Back

The rising limb of a hydrograph represents the increase in discharge as rainfall or snowmelt enters the river system, indicating how quickly the water level rises.

Front

What does the recession limb of a hydrograph indicate?

Back

The recession limb of a hydrograph indicates the decrease in discharge after the peak flow, showing how the river returns to its normal flow levels.

Front

What is base flow in a hydrograph?

Back

Base flow is the normal, sustained flow of a river or stream that occurs during dry periods, primarily fed by groundwater.

Front

What is overland flow?

Back

Overland flow is the movement of water across the land surface, typically occurring during heavy rainfall when the ground is saturated.

Front

How does a steep river basin affect a hydrograph?

Back

A steep river basin typically results in a hydrograph with a steep rising limb and a quick peak, indicating rapid runoff and quick response to rainfall.

Front

What is the significance of peak discharge on a hydrograph?

Back

Peak discharge is the maximum flow rate of water in a river during a storm event, indicating the highest level of flooding risk.

Front

What factors influence the shape of a hydrograph?

Back

Factors influencing the shape of a hydrograph include rainfall intensity, duration, land use, soil type, and basin characteristics.

Front

What does a flat hydrograph indicate?

Back

A flat hydrograph indicates a slow response to rainfall, often due to factors like low rainfall intensity, high infiltration rates, or a large storage capacity in the basin.

Front

What is the difference between a storm hydrograph and a normal hydrograph?

Back

A storm hydrograph shows the changes in discharge during and after a storm event, while a normal hydrograph represents the typical flow of a river over time.