streamflow

• What is another name for streamflow?

  Discharge
• How is streamflow defined?

  It is the volume of water that moves over a designated point over a fixed period of time.
• How is streamflow often expressed?

  As cubic feet per second (ft³/sec).
• What is the relationship between streamflow and watershed water movement?

  The flow of a stream is directly related to the amount of water moving off the watershed into the stream channel.
• What is one purpose of dams in relation to streamflow?

  Dams are used for electric power generation.
• How do dams affect streamflow during peak power needs?

  Dams block the flow of a stream and later release it in a surge during peak need.
• How does stream velocity relate to water volume?

  Stream velocity increases as the volume of the water in the stream increases.
• What impact does stream velocity have on organisms?

  It determines the kinds of organisms that can live in the stream.
• How does stream velocity affect sediment transport?

  It affects the amount of silt and sediment carried by the stream.
• What happens to sediment in quiet, slow-flowing streams?

  Sediment introduced will settle quickly to the stream bottom.
• How do fast-moving streams differ in sediment transport compared to slow streams?

  Fast-moving streams will keep sediment suspended longer in the water column.
• Why do fast-moving streams generally have higher levels of dissolved oxygen?

  Because they are better aerated.
• What are the differences between quick flow and delayed flow?

  • Quick Flow:
  • Direct runoff
  • Rapid movement of water to streams after rainfall
  • Influenced by rainfall intensity, land cover, and topography
  • Delayed Flow:
  • Base flow
  • Slower release of water from groundwater sources
  • Sustains streamflow during dry periods
• What is the most common source of runoff?

  Rainfall
• How does snowmelt contribute to runoff?

  Melting snow contributes to runoff, especially in colder regions or during spring.
• What role does glacial melt play in runoff?

  Meltwater from glaciers can contribute to runoff, especially during warmer months.
• How does irrigation and urban water use affect runoff?

  Excess water from agricultural irrigation or urban landscapes can add to runoff.
• What are the components of runoff?

  1. Surface Runoff: Flows over the land surface into streams.
  2. Subsurface Runoff: Moves laterally through the soil profile before entering streams.

  • Interflow: Water in upper soil layers reaching streams quickly.
  • Baseflow: Groundwater feeding into streams over a longer period.
• What do event-based variations in runoff refer to?

  Changes in the amount and timing of runoff due to specific precipitation events.
• What factors influence event-based variations in runoff?

  1. Storm Intensity and Duration
  2. Antecedent Moisture Conditions
  3. Land Use and Vegetation Cover
  4. Topography
  5. Rainfall Distribution
• How do heavy, short-duration storms affect runoff?

  They typically lead to a higher proportion of surface runoff (quick flow).
• What is the effect of vegetated areas on runoff?

  Vegetated areas slow down runoff, promoting infiltration.
• How does topography influence runoff?

  Topography affects the speed and amount of runoff due to variations in land slope.
• What happens when rainfall distribution is uneven during an event?

  It causes spatial variability in runoff, with some areas experiencing quick runoff and others delayed flow.
• What are daily flow variations influenced by?

  1. Diurnal Temperature Changes
  2. Water Use Patterns
  3. Evapotranspiration
• What are seasonal flow variations influenced by?

  1. Rainfall Patterns
  2. Snowmelt
  3. Evaporation
  4. Groundwater Contributions
  5. Human Water Management
• How do diurnal temperature changes affect streamflow?

  Daily temperature fluctuations cause snow to melt during warmer parts of the day, increasing flow in the afternoon.
• How do water use patterns in urban areas affect streamflow?

  Daily human activities can cause flow variations, with lower flows in the morning and peak demand times.
• What is the effect of evapotranspiration on streamflow?

  Plants and soil lose water during the day, which can slightly reduce streamflow levels compared to nighttime.
• How do rainfall patterns affect seasonal flow variations?

  Streamflow peaks during the rainy season and declines during the dry season.
• What happens to streamflow during snowmelt in cold climates?

  There is increased runoff and streamflow during spring and early summer when snow melts.
• How does evaporation affect streamflow during warmer months?

  Higher evaporation rates reduce streamflow during warmer months.
• How do groundwater contributions affect baseflow?

  Seasonal variations in groundwater recharge affect baseflow, with higher contributions during wetter seasons.
• How does human water management affect streamflow?

  Seasonal agricultural irrigation, dam releases, or withdrawals can cause flow variations depending on demand.
• What are long-term variations of flow influenced by?

  1. Climatic Changes
  2. Droughts and Wet Periods
  3. Land Use Changes
  4. Glacier and Snowmelt
  5. Groundwater Depletion
• How do climatic changes affect long-term flow variation?

  Long-term trends in precipitation and temperature can alter flow patterns.
• What impact do droughts and wet periods have on flow variation?

  They can cause extended droughts or periods of above-average rainfall, leading to long-term decreases or increases in flow.
• How do land use changes affect long-term flow variation?

  Deforestation, urbanization, or changes in agricultural practices can affect infiltration rates and surface runoff.
• How does glacier and snowmelt affect long-term flow variation?

  Changes in snowpack or glacier retreat affect the timing and magnitude of flow over decades.
• What is the effect of groundwater depletion on flow levels?

  Overuse of groundwater resources can reduce baseflow contributions to rivers, lowering flow levels over the long term.