A revised load estimation procedure for the Susquehanna, Potomac, Patuxent, and Choptank rivers

Water-Resources Investigations Report 2000-4156
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Abstract

The U.S. Geological Survey's Chesapeake Bay River Input Program has updated the nutrient and suspended-sediment load data base for the Susquehanna, Potomac, Patuxent, and Choptank Rivers using a multiple-window, center-estimate regression methodology. The revised method optimizes the seven-parameter regression approach that has been used historically by the program. The revised method estimates load using the fifth or center year of a sliding 9-year window. Each year a new model is run for each site and constituent, the most recent year is added, and the previous 4 years of estimates are updated. The fifth year in the 9-year window is considered the best estimate and is kept in the data base. The last year of estimation shows the most change from the previous year's estimate and this change approaches a minimum at the fifth year. Differences between loads computed using this revised methodology and the loads populating the historical data base have been noted but the load estimates do not typically change drastically. The data base resulting from the application of this revised methodology is populated by annual and monthly load estimates that are known with greater certainty than in the previous load data base.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A revised load estimation procedure for the Susquehanna, Potomac, Patuxent, and Choptank rivers
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 2000-4156
DOI 10.3133/wri004156
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iv, 49 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial Susquehanna, Potomac, Patuxent, and Choptank Rivers
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