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Regionalization of winter low-flow characteristics of Tennessee streams

Water-Resources Investigations Report 86-4007
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https://doi.org/10.3133/wri864007

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Abstract

Procedures were developed for estimating winter (December-April) low flows at ungaged stream sites in Tennessee based on surface geology and drainage area size. One set of equations applies to West Tennessee streams, and another set applies to Middle and East Tennessee streams. The equations do not apply to streams where flow is significantly altered by the activities of man. Standard errors of estimate of equations for West Tennessee are 22% - 35% and for middle and East Tennessee 31% - 36%. Statistical analyses indicate that summer low-flow characteristics are the same as annual low-flow characteristics, and that winter low flows are larger than annual low flows. Streamflow-recession indexes, in days per log cycle of decrease in discharge, were used to account for effects of geology 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 contribute to 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)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Regionalization of winter low-flow characteristics of Tennessee streams
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 86-4007
DOI 10.3133/wri864007
Edition -
Year Published 1986
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description v, 88 p. :ill., maps ;28 cm.
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