1. What is the Catchment Area Formula?

The catchment area formula calculates the geographical area from which water flows into a particular point using the relationship between time of peak and peak discharge. This is essential in hydrology for watershed management and flood prediction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( A \) — Area of Catchment (km²)
• \( T_p \) — Time of Peak (hours)
• \( Q_p \) — Peak Discharge (m³/s)

Explanation: The formula establishes a proportional relationship between the catchment area and the product of time of peak and peak discharge, with 2.08 as the conversion factor.

3. Importance of Catchment Area Calculation

Details: Accurate catchment area calculation is crucial for hydrological modeling, flood forecasting, water resource management, and infrastructure design such as dams and drainage systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter time of peak in hours and peak discharge in cubic meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Time of Peak?
A: Time of Peak is the time interval from the start of rainfall to the peak discharge in a watershed.

Q2: What is Peak Discharge?
A: Peak Discharge is the maximum volume flow rate passing a particular location during a rainfall event.

Q3: Why is the constant 2.08 used in the formula?
A: The constant 2.08 is derived from empirical relationships and unit conversions that relate time, discharge, and area in hydrological calculations.

Q4: What are typical values for catchment areas?
A: Catchment areas can range from small urban watersheds of a few square kilometers to large river basins covering thousands of square kilometers.

Q5: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This formula provides an estimate and may need adjustment for specific geographical conditions, soil types, and rainfall patterns in different regions.