Climatic and streamflow estimates for northeastern Utah
Links
- More information: National Geologic Map Database Index Page (html)
- Document: Report (pdf)
- Plates:
- Table 1 (pdf) Air temperature data base
- Table 3 (pdf) Average monthly and annual air temperatures, in degreed Fahrenheit, for the sites shown in table 11941-70
- Table 9 (pdf) Precipitation data base and average annual precipitation for the period 1941-70
- Table 12 (pdf) Streamflow data base and average annual discharge for the period 1941-70
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
This report shows how information from 44 air-temperature, 59 precipitation, and 86 streamflow sites was converted to a common-time base of 1941-70, and how general relations were developed to extend the converted point values to unsampled sites.
Two methods, regression and ratio, were used to convert the data to a common-time base. Both methods require a period of concurrent data at two sites. After an estimating equation has been defined from concurrent data, the regression method requires data at the independent site only during the record voids of the dependent site. The independent site must have a complete record, however, if the ratio method is to be used.
Regression techniques were used to fill voids in the air-temperature data base and to determine the correlation of monthly and annual averages, the average annual distribution, and equations that can be used to estimate average monthly and seasonal air temperature, precipitation, and streamflow. Incomplete precipitation and streamflow records were adjusted to the 1941-70 average on the assumption that the ratio of con- current data is directly proportional to the ratio of the respective 1941-70 average annual values at nearby sites.
The average monthly air temperature at a short-term collection site generally can be approximated with a standard error of estimate of less than 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius). The standard deviation of the precipitation residuals, about the averages of the estimates for all incomplete-record sites, is 0.42 inch (11 millimetres). The average annual precipitation at the 59 sites used in this analysis is 16.2 inches (411 millimetres). Two-thirds of the streamflow estimates are within 13.0 cubic feet per second (0.37 cubic metres per second) of the averages of the site estimates, which is about 10 percent of the sample average.
Altitude and location can be used to estimate the average annual temperature and precipitation. Schematic diagrams, plotted by computer, were prepared to show variations of altitude, temperature, and precipitation. Maps, also plotted by computer, show lines of equal altitude, precipitation, and temperature.
Average annual streamflow can be estimated on the basis of drainage area and the average annual precipitation. Equations for these estimates have standard errors of estimate ranging from 30 to 125 percent.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Climatic and streamflow estimates for northeastern Utah |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 75-673 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr75673 |
| Year Published | 1976 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Contributing office(s) | Utah Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: vi, 47 p; 4 Tables: 14.99 in. x 20.24 in. or smaller |
| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |