Hydrology - Streamflow Page 1

• What does streamflow refer to?

  The movement of water in a channel
• What is streamflow's importance?

  Essential for ecosystems and human use
• What does river stage measure?

  Height of water surface above reference
• What is the "zero level" in river stage measurement typically set to?

  Slightly below where river stops flowing
• What are the different types of staff gages?

  • Single Vertical Scale
  • Sectional Staff Gage
  • Inclined Staff Gage
• What is a single vertical scale staff gage?

  A scale attached to a structure
• What is a sectional staff gage?

  Short sections mounted on structures
• What is an inclined staff gage?

  A gage placed on stream bank slope
• How does a suspended-weight gage work?

  Weight lowered to measure surface elevation
• What is a key feature of a wire-weight gage?

  Drum unwinds precise wire length
• For what types of waterways are manual gages best suited?

  Small streams or rivers with low flow
• What are water-stage recorders ideal for?

  Large rivers with fluctuating flow rates
• What are the types of water-stage recorders?

  • Continuous Recorder
  • Short-Term Recorder
  • Float-Type Water-Stage Recorder
• What does a continuous recorder do?

  Records data on a continuous chart
• How does a short-term recorder work?

  Data recorded on a drum chart
• What does a float-type water-stage recorder need?

  A shelter house and stilling well
• What does a Crest Stage Gage measure?

  Highest water level during a flood
• What is the general structure of the Crest Stage Gage?

  A vertical pipe installed along stream
• What is inside the pipe of the crest stage gage?

  A stick coated with marking material
• How does a crest stage gage record water level?

  Debris sticks at max water level
• What information is recorded by the crest stage gage?

  The highest water level reached
• How do crest stage gages help hydrologists?

  They study flood patterns and streamflow
• How are crest stage gages used in flood warning systems?

  To predict future flood risks
• How do engineers use information from crest stage gages?

  To design bridges and drainage systems
• Why is streamflow a crucial part of the water cycle?

  It moves water from one location to another
• What is streamflow?

  Rate of water flowing past point
• Why is the zero level set slightly below the point where the river stops flowing?

  To provide a consistent reference point
• How is a staff gage setup?

  Part is always immersed in water
• What is ensured in a sectional staff gage setup?

  One section is always accessible