Flow-duration curves
Water Supply Paper
1542-A
By: James Kincheon Searcy
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Abstract
The flow-duration curve is a cumulative frequency curve that shows the percent of time specified discharges were equaled or exceeded during a given period. It combines in one curve the flow characteristics of a stream throughout the range of discharge, without regard to the sequence of occurrence. If the period upon which the curve is based represents the long-term flow of a stream, the curve may be used to predict the distribution of future flows for water- power, water-supply, and pollution studies.
This report shows that differences in geology affect the low-flow ends of flow-duration curves of streams in adjacent basins. Thus, duration curves are useful in appraising the geologic characteristics of drainage basins.
A method for adjusting flow-duration curves of short periods to represent long-term conditions is presented. The adjustment is made by correlating the records of a short-term station with those of a long-term station.
Suggested Citation
Searcy, J.K., 1959, Flow-duration curves: U.S. Geological Survey Water Supply Paper 1542, iv, 33 p. :ill. ;24 cm.; Reprinted 1963, https://doi.org/10.3133/wsp1542A.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Flow-duration curves |
| Series title | Water Supply Paper |
| Series number | 1542 |
| Chapter | A |
| DOI | 10.3133/wsp1542A |
| Year Published | 1959 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Govt. Print. Off., |
| Description | iv, 33 p. :ill. ;24 cm.; Reprinted 1963 |