CHARACTERISTICSOFRUNOFF.pptVIP

CHARACTERISTICS OF RUNOFF CHARACTERISTICS OF RUNOFF Peak Discharge Time Variation of Runoff - Hydrograph Stage versus Discharge for Stream Channels Total Volume of Runoff Frequency of Runoff - Statistics Return Period RUNOFF Excess rainfall is the rainfall remaining after all of the hydrologic abstractions have been subtracted. Excess rainfall becomes runoff and eventually streamflow. A hydrograph is a curve describing the variation of discharge with time as a result of a storm. The main features are the rising and falling limbs, the peak and the base duration. RUNOFF The most important characteristics of runoff are: peak discharge, total runoff volume, and frequency of peak flows. The peak discharge (peak flow) is the maximum flow a given point as a result of a storm. RUNOFF For a given storm, the resulting peak flow determines the size of the drainage structures. Peak flows depend on rainfall characteristics, and watershed size and other features. The total runoff volume is equal to the area under the hydrograph. It can be measured in cubic meters or, cubic feet or, dividing by the watershed area in, in mm or inches. RUNOFF The volume is used in design of storage facilities which may be related to highway design. Similar to storm events, the exceedance probability of peak flows is the probability that, in any one year, a peak of given magnitude will be equaled or exceeded. The return period is calculated as one over the probability. EFFECT OF BASIN CHARACTERISTICS In addition to the spatial and temporal characteristics of rainfall, the physical features of the watershed also control the shape of the runoff hydrograph. ?Factors affecting the hydrograph include: drainage area, slope, roughness, storage, drainage density, channel length, and antecedent moisture conditions. EFFECT OF BASIN CHARACTERISTICS Features that facilitate runoff removal produce high peaks and short hydrographs. Features that delay runoff removal produce low peaks and long hydrographs.