Abstract
A flow duration curve (FDC) plots the percentage of time that flow in a stream is equal to or exceeding a given value. In a gauged basin, it is obtained by sorting the observed flow from the largest to the smallest, and plotting against the corresponding exceedance probability. At ungauged basins where no data exist, the need for developing empirical methods emerges. This study aims at developing an FDC model for ungauged basins. The model is based on the normalized nondimensional annual mean flow quantiles. The annual mean flow is empirically calculated by a regression equation that takes drainage area and annual precipitation as input. Slope of the channel is additionally considered in the regression, however no better performance is achieved. Seyhan and Ceyhan basins in the Mediterranean region in southern Turkey are chosen as the study area. Data from 109 gauging stations are used for the calibration and validation of the model. Gauging stations on the tributaries are studied with a view to limiting anthropogenic activities on the rivers. Results of the application are found so promising that the model can be considered a good foundation for the development of FDCs at ungauged basins.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1684-1695 |
| Number of pages | 12 |
| Journal | Hydrology Research |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2018 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© IWA Publishing 2018.
Funding
This study was supported by Research Fund of Istanbul Technical University under the project ‘Development of Flow Duration Curve Model for Ungauged Basins’. Streamflow data were provided by State Hydraulic Works (DSI); precipitation data by General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) and State Hydraulic Works (DSI) of Turkey.
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Istanbul Teknik Üniversitesi |
Keywords
- Drainage area
- Flow duration curve
- Precipitation
- Regression
- Ungauged basin
