Flashcards
River Discharge and Hydrographs
Cards in this deck (9)
- 1What is river discharge and what is it measured in?- The volume of water flowing in a river.
- Measured in cumecs (cubic metres per second). - 2What is river discharge affected by?- Precipitation (more = higher discharge)
- Hot weather (higher = lower discharge)
- Removal of water from the river (lower) - 3What do hydrographs show?River discharge over a period of time.
- 4What is peak discharge?The highest point on the graph, when the river discharge is at its greatest.
- 5What is lag time?The delay between peak rainfall and peak discharge.
It happens because it takes time for rainwater to flow into river.
Shorter lag time = higher peak discharge. - 6What is rising limb?Part of the graph up to peak discharge.
River discharge increases as rainwater flows into river. - 7What is falling limb?Part of the graph after peak discharge.
Discharge is decreasing because less water is flowing into river. - 8What are the 7 physical factors that affect storm hydrographs?- Drainage basin characteristics
- Amount of water already present
- Rock type
- Soil type
- Vegetation
- Precipitation
- Temperature - 9What human activity also affects the hydrograph?Urban areas > soil is covered with man-made impermeable materials (e.g. concrete) > water can't infiltrate into the soil > increases surface runoff > water flows more quickly into river > short lag time and increases peak discharge.
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- GCSE Geography (Rivers, Floods and Management - A Level) Flashcards on River Discharge and Hydrographs, created by Amy Arthur on 18/01/2016.
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- Amy Arthur
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