Hydrograph Flashcard

Front

What is river discharge measured in?

Back

Metres cubed per second (m³/s)

Front

What is the area of land surrounding a river called?

Back

Drainage basin

Front

What is a hydrograph?

Back

A graph that shows the rate of flow (discharge) of a river over time.

Front

What does a steep hydrograph indicate?

Back

A rapid increase in river discharge, often due to heavy rainfall.

Front

What does a flat hydrograph indicate?

Back

A slow increase in river discharge, often due to prolonged rainfall.

Front

What factors affect river discharge?

Back

Rainfall intensity, land use, soil type, and drainage basin characteristics.

Front

What is the difference between a drainage basin and a river system?

Back

A drainage basin is the area that collects rain for a river, while a river system includes the river and all its tributaries.

Front

What is impermeable rock?

Back

Rock that does not allow water to pass through, such as granite.

Front

How does urbanization affect hydrographs?

Back

Urbanization typically leads to steeper hydrographs due to increased runoff from impervious surfaces.

Front

What is the peak discharge?

Back

The maximum flow rate of a river during a specific event, such as a storm.