Optimizing bankfull discharge and hydraulic geometry relations for streams in New York state

Journal of the American Water Resources Association
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Abstract

This study analyzes how various data stratification schemes can be used to optimize the accuracy and utility of regional hydraulic geometry (HG) models of bankfull discharge, width, depth, and cross-sectional area for streams in New York. Topographic surveys and discharge records from 281 cross sections at 82 gaging stations with drainage areas of 0.52-396 square miles were used to create log-log regressions of region-based relations between bankfull HG metrics and drainage area. The success with which regional models distinguished unique bankfull discharge and HG patterns was assessed by comparing each regional model to those for all other regions and a pooled statewide model. Gages were also stratified (grouped) by mean annual runoff (MAR), Rosgen stream type, and water-surface slope to test if these models were better predictors of HG to drainage area relations. Bankfull discharge models for Regions 4 and 7 were outside the 95% confidence interval bands of the statewide model, and bankfull width, depth, and cross-sectional area models for Region 3 differed significantly (p < 0.05) from those of other regions. This study found that statewide relations between drainage area and HG were strongest when data were stratified by hydrologic region, but that co-variable models could yield more accurate HG estimates in some local regional curve applications.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Optimizing bankfull discharge and hydraulic geometry relations for streams in New York state
Series title Journal of the American Water Resources Association
DOI 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2011.00623.x
Volume 48
Issue 3
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher American Water Resources Association
Publisher location Middleburg, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description 15 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of the American Water Resources Association
First page 449
Last page 463
Country United States
State New York
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