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Catchment Area for Hydrograph Analysis refers to an area of land where all water flows to a single stream, river, lake or even ocean. It is a fundamental concept in hydrology for understanding water flow patterns and flood prediction.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula establishes a mathematical relationship between the time period after peak flow and the size of the catchment area that contributes to the hydrograph.
Details: Accurate catchment area calculation is crucial for flood forecasting, water resource management, infrastructure design, and environmental impact assessments. It helps hydrologists understand how different land areas contribute to streamflow.
Tips: Enter the number of days after the peak is achieved. The value must be a positive number greater than zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding catchment area in square miles.
Q1: What is the significance of the 0.2 exponent in the formula?
A: The 0.2 exponent represents an empirical relationship derived from hydrological studies that correlates time after peak flow with catchment area size.
Q2: How accurate is this formula for different geographical regions?
A: While the formula provides a general relationship, accuracy may vary based on regional characteristics such as topography, soil type, and climate conditions.
Q3: Can this formula be used for both small and large catchment areas?
A: The formula is generally applicable across various scales, but validation with local hydrological data is recommended for precise applications.
Q4: What are typical catchment area sizes for different time periods?
A: Catchment areas can range from a few square miles for short time periods to hundreds or thousands of square miles for extended periods after peak flow.
Q5: How does this calculation help in flood prediction?
A: By understanding the relationship between time after peak and catchment area, hydrologists can better predict flood behavior and timing in watershed systems.