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Khosla's Formula:
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Khosla's formula estimates the mean temperature in an entire catchment area based on rainfall and runoff depth measurements. This relationship helps in understanding the thermal characteristics of watersheds and their impact on hydrological processes.
The calculator uses Khosla's formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula establishes a linear relationship between the net water retention (rainfall minus runoff) and the resulting temperature in the catchment area.
Details: Accurate temperature estimation is crucial for understanding evaporation rates, snowmelt patterns, water quality assessment, and overall hydrological modeling in catchment areas.
Tips: Enter rainfall depth and runoff depth in inches. Both values must be valid (non-negative) and rainfall depth should be greater than or equal to runoff depth for meaningful results.
Q1: What is the physical basis of Khosla's formula?
A: The formula is based on empirical observations that the temperature in a catchment area correlates with the amount of water retained after runoff.
Q2: What are typical temperature ranges calculated using this formula?
A: Temperature values typically range from 32°F (when rainfall equals runoff) upward, depending on the net water retention in the catchment.
Q3: When should this formula be applied?
A: This formula is particularly useful for hydrological studies, watershed management, and environmental impact assessments in temperate regions.
Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: The formula may be less accurate in extreme climatic conditions, urban areas with significant heat island effects, or regions with unusual geological characteristics.
Q5: Can this formula be used for all catchment sizes?
A: While applicable to various catchment sizes, the formula's accuracy may vary with the scale and should be validated with local temperature measurements.