TECHNICAL PAPERS
Mar 1, 2002

Approach for Describing Statistical Properties of Flood Hydrograph

Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 7, Issue 2

Abstract

The shape of a flood hydrograph is a random event. This study develops a method for describing statistical properties of the shape of a flood hydrograph. Two shape variables, namely, shape mean (Sm) and shape variance (Sv), are defined to express the randomness of a flood hydrograph. The two-parameter beta probability density function (pdf) is adopted to represent the shape of a flood hydrograph. The parameters are estimated using the shape variables. On the basis of this approach, one can derive the design-flood hydrograph shape corresponding to various combinations of flood peak, volume, and duration. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated by using observed flood data from the Ashuapmushuan basin in the province of Quebec, Canada. It is concluded that the method is appropriate for representing the statistical properties of the shape of a flood hydrograph.

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Published In

Go to Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 7Issue 2March 2002
Pages: 147 - 153

History

Received: Aug 9, 2000
Accepted: Aug 13, 2001
Published online: Mar 1, 2002
Published in print: Mar 2002

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Authors

Affiliations

Sheng Yue
MSC, Environment Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., P.O. Box 5050, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada.
Taha B. M. J. Ouarda
Statistical Hydrology Chair, INRS-Eau, 2800 Einstein, C.P. 7500, Sainte-Foy, PQ G1V 4C7, Canada.
Bernard Bobée
Statistical Hydrology Chair, INRS-Eau, 2800 Einstein, C.P. 7500, Sainte-Foy, PQ G1V 4C7, Canada.
Pierre Legendre
Hydro-Quebec, Hydraulics Division, 800 DeMaisonneuve Est, C.P. 6072, Montreal H3C 3G3, Canada.
Pierre Bruneau
Hydro-Quebec, Hydraulics Division, 800 DeMaisonneuve Est, C.P. 6072, Montreal H3C 3G3, Canada.

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