Spatial Trends in Pearson Type III Statistical Parameters
Publication: Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 121, Issue 9
Abstract
Spatial trends in the statistical parameters (mean, standard deviation, and skewness coefficient) of a Pearson Type III distribution of the logarithms of annual flood peaks for small rural basins (less than 90 km 2 ) are delineated using a climate factor, C T ( T = 2-, 25-, and 100-yr recurrence intervals) which quantifies the effects of long-term climatic data (rainfall and pan evaporation) on observed T -yr floods. The statistical parameters are computed from gridded estimates of the geographically varying climate factors and regression models relating at-site T -yr floods as a function of drainage area, climate factor, hydrograph shape, and infiltration. Spatial portrayals, covering a large part of the United States east of the 105th meridian, are presented for averaged statistical parameters and their variability obtained using data from a sample of 200 small basins scattered over 12 states. Maps showing trends in average parameter values demonstrate the geographically varying influence of climate on the magnitude of Pearson Type III statistical parameters. The spatial trends in variability of the parameter values characterize the sensitivity of statistical parameters to the interaction of basin-runoff characteristics (hydrology) and climate.
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 121 • Issue 9 • September 1995
Pages: 672 - 678
Copyright
Copyright © 1995 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Sep 1, 1995
Published in print: Sep 1995
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