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Regionalization of low-flow characteristics of Tennessee streams

Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4191
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri854191

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Abstract

Procedures for estimating 3-day 2-year, 3-day 10-year, 3-day 20-year, and 7-day 10-year low flows at ungaged stream sites in Tennessee are based on surface geology and drainage area size. One set of equations applies to west Tennessee streams, and another set applies to central and east Tennessee streams. The equations do not apply to streams where flow is significantly altered by activities of man. Standard errors of estimate of equations for west Tennessee are 24 to 32% and for central and east Tennessee 31 to 35%. Streamflow recession indexes, in days/log cycle, are used to account for effects of geology of the drainage basin on low flow of streams. The indexes in Tennessee range from 32 days/log cycle for clay and shale to 350 days/log cycle for gravel and sand, indicating different aquifer characteristics of the geologic units that sustain streamflows during periods of no surface runoff. Streamflow recession rate depends primarily on transmissivity and storage characteristics of the aquifers, and the average distance from stream channels to basin divides. Geology and drainage basin size are the most significant variables affecting low flow in Tennessee streams according to regression analyses. (Author 's abstract)

Suggested Citation

Bingham, R., 1986, Regionalization of low-flow characteristics of Tennessee streams: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 85-4191, iv, 63 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/wri854191.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Regionalization of low-flow characteristics of Tennessee streams
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 85-4191
DOI 10.3133/wri854191
Year Published 1986
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description iv, 63 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details