53:119 Hydrology
Problem #19
Continuous Baseflow Separation Using a Digital Filter

Use the Web-based Hydrology Analysis Tool (WHAT) () for continuous baseflow separation of USGS stream-gage observations for Clear Creek at Oxford, IA (USGS Gage Number 05454220).

Select 1) WHAT Using USGS Daily Flow Data and enter the USGS gaging station number for Clear Creek. Then select the Recursive Digital Filter option with the default parameters (0.98 for the Filter Parameter and BFImax of 0.80). Choose the Run WHAT for Monthly, Yearly Output. Then Download Monthly Flow in CSV Format and Download Monthly Baseflow in CSV Format, and combine the annual values into a single spreadsheet.

  1. Compute the baseflow index (ratio of baseflow to flow) for each water year. Then plot the baseflow index versus the annual flow.
  2. Compute the total baseflow and total flow over the entire period, and find the baseflow index.

Last changed on 09/28/12 by aab.