53:119 Hydrology
Problem #17
Baseflow Recession

Streamflow measurements are available from a 250 km2 drainage basin for a storm event. Use these data to analyze the baseflow characteristics before and after a storm.

  1. Plot the discharge hydrograph (on a logarithmic scale).
  2. Label the baseflow period before the beginning of the storm on the plot.
  3. Estimate the recession constant K for the period before the storm (using the simple two-point method).
  4. Label the baseflow period after the end of the storm on the plot.
  5. Estimate the recession constant K for the period after the storm (by fitting an exponential model to the baseflow recession).
  6. Using the recession constant for the period after the storm (part e), estimate the baseflow (in cms) at time 105, 110, 115, and 120 hours.

Last changed on 09/24/12 by aab.