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6. Base flow separation

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Hydrograph analysis , often referred to interchangeably with base flow separation , is the technique of examining a streamflow hydrograph to distinguish between surface runoff and base flow (groundwater runoff). This analysis is fundamental for understanding how a watershed responds to rainfall events, estimating infiltration capacity, and developing models for flood forecasting and water resources management. Components of a Hydrograph To accurately analyze a hydrograph, it is essential to understand its three primary segments, which represent different phases of the runoff process: Rising Limb (Concentration Curve): This portion represents the rapid increase in discharge due to the gradual building up of storage in channels and over the catchment surface in response to rainfall. Crest Segment: This section contains the peak flow , which occurs when runoff from various parts of the catchment simultaneously contributes the maximum amount of flow at the basin outlet. For large catchme...
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5. Hydrograph Analysis

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  Here is a comprehensive set of student notes formatted for a blog post. I have organized the information for better readability, added a section to define the key terms clearly, and fully completed the task table with the extreme cases for each factor. Understanding River Discharge & The Storm Hydrograph Have you ever wondered how a river responds after a massive downpour? Does it flood immediately, or does it take time for the water to reach the river channel? Geographers and hydrologists use a special model called a Storm Hydrograph to track this. Before we look at the graph, we need to understand River Discharge . Discharge is the amount of water passing a certain point in a river every second. Calculation: Cross-sectional area (m²) × Velocity (m/s) Units: CUMECS (Cubic Metres per Second). Reading a Storm Hydrograph A storm hydrograph displays how the discharge of a river changes over time in response to a specific rainfall event. Key Features of the Hydrograph: Base Fl...
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