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Potential Maximum Retention Formula:
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Potential Maximum Retention (S) is a parameter in hydrology that represents the maximum amount of water that can be retained in the soil after runoff begins. It depends upon the soil vegetation land use complex of the catchment and also upon the antecedent soil moisture condition.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the maximum water retention capacity based on the curve number, which represents the runoff potential of a watershed.
Details: Accurate calculation of potential maximum retention is crucial for hydrologic modeling, flood prediction, watershed management, and designing drainage systems and water retention structures.
Tips: Enter the curve number value between 1 and 100. The curve number is based on the area's hydrologic soil group, land use, treatment, and hydrologic condition.
Q1: What is the range of curve numbers?
A: Curve numbers typically range from 30 to 100, with lower numbers indicating higher infiltration capacity and higher numbers indicating higher runoff potential.
Q2: How is curve number determined?
A: Curve number is determined based on soil type, land use, hydrologic condition, and antecedent moisture conditions using standardized tables.
Q3: What factors affect potential maximum retention?
A: Soil type, vegetation cover, land use practices, slope, and antecedent moisture conditions all affect the potential maximum retention value.
Q4: What are typical S values for different land uses?
A: Urban areas typically have lower S values (higher runoff), while forested areas have higher S values (lower runoff potential).
Q5: How is this used in hydrologic modeling?
A: The S value is used in the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) curve number method to estimate direct runoff from rainfall events.