This module offers a thorough introduction to streamflow routing methods and applications in the river forecasting process. Through the use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module explains key routing concepts, flow characteristics, and tools with a primary focus on hydrologic routing methods. As a foundation topic for the Basic Hydrologic Science Course, this module may be taken on its own or used as a supporting topic to provide factual scientific information to students as they complete the case-based forecasting modules.
Demonstrate an understanding of the streamflow routing process
Define streamflow routing:
Interpret stage and discharge graphs
Describe applications of streamflow routing
Explain how streamflow routing fits into the flood prediction process
Describe the major approaches used in streamflow routing
Describe the storage-release concept and the accounting budget approach
Describe flow categories and impact on the choice of routing method
Define common terms used to describe physical characteristics of streams
List the factors used in determining streamflow velocity and discharge via Manning’s equation
Use rating curves to determine the stage-discharge relationship, i.e., the expected discharge for a given depth of water at a given point for a given period
Explain concepts used in streamflow routing:
Describe how routing process is applied in river forecasting
Explain how storage concept is applied in routing
Describe wedge and prism storage approach as applied in the Muskingum method
Apply the Lag and K method for streamflow routing
Identify how hydraulic routing methods differ from hydrologic methods:
Describe when one might choose to use hydraulic over hydrologic methods
hydrology, hydrologic cycle, streamflow routing, routing, routing method, river forecasting, river forecast, hydrograph, flood prediction, flood prediction process, storage-release concept, flood wave, storage budget, flow types, uniform flow, non-uniform flow, steady flow, non-steady flow, manning\'s, manning\'s equation, manning\'s n, slope and stage relationship, stream properties, rating curves, stage-discharge relationship, flood wave propagation, streamflow storage, hydrologic routing, hydraulic routing, wedge and prism storage, wedge and prism method, Muskingum, lag and K method
August 2020 - The lesson was updated to current internet standards (mp4/html5), with no changes to content.
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