How is a river hydrograph interpreted?
A river hydrograph shows how discharge changes through time at a particular location.
Formation process and geographic mechanism
The delay before rise is lag time, the highest point is peak discharge, and the falling limb shows basin drainage. A sharp rapid rise may relate to steep slopes, impermeable ground, urbanization or saturated soil. A broad lower peak may suggest greater storage and infiltration. Yet similar shapes can have multiple causes.
Spatial outcomes, measurement and management
Total flow can be separated into rapid storm runoff and groundwater-fed baseflow. Gauge position, dams, previous rain and storm distribution affect the curve. Real-time rain and level data feed flood forecasts. A historical hydrograph does not cap the magnitude of a future flood.
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