Stream Flow and Discharge Measurement

These flashcards encompass key terms and definitions related to stream flow and measurement of discharge, providing a foundational understanding for the topic.

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, consisting of different components including evaporation, precipitation, and streamflow.

Stream Discharge (q)

The volume of water that flows through a river or stream cross-section per unit time, typically measured in cubic meters per second.

Hydrograph

A graph that shows the variation in stream discharge over time, with time plotted on the x-axis and discharge on the y-axis.

Evapotranspiration

The process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants.

Water Budget

A balance of the inputs and outputs of water in a system, accounting for precipitation, evapotranspiration, and groundwater discharge.

Solute Dilution Method

A technique used to estimate stream discharge by measuring the concentration of a nonreactive tracer added to the water.

Weir Measurement

A method of measuring stream discharge by using a barrier (weir) to control flow, with discharge determined from water height in relation to the weir's design.

Rating Curve

A curve that relates stream stage (water height) to discharge, based on empirical data and used for estimating discharge from gauging stations.

Flux

The rate of flow of a property per unit area or volume, often used in hydrology to discuss the flow of water or materials over time.

Doppler Method

An emerging technology for measuring stream flow using acoustic Doppler current profilers to assess depth and velocity of water in real-time.

Groundwater Flow Paths

The routes taken by groundwater as it moves through various strata, which can be classified as shallow or deep flow paths.

Direct Measurements

Methods involving physical measurement of water velocity and cross-sectional area of a stream to calculate discharge.