Using Rating Curves
A rating curve has the following form: Q
= a * Sb where Q is discharge, a and b are
constants and S is the stage. The values of "a" and "b"
can be determined by a "least squares" statistical analysis
of a set of Q and S data. Least Squares is an advanced topic beyond
the level of this activity.
The diagram below contains the rating curves for 6
different American rivers. Each rating curve is interactive in that
you can click on the graph and drag to a particular stage value and
the associated discharge will be displayed. Use the graph to complete
the table below.
|
River
|
Location
|
Watershed
|
|
Gunnison
|
Gunnison, CO
|
1012 mi2
|
|
Russian
|
Guernerville, CA
|
1338 mi2
|
|
Cumberland
|
Williamsburg, KY
|
1607 mi2
|
|
Kings
|
Berryville, AR
|
527 mi2
|
|
Yadkin
|
Enon, NC
|
1694 mi2
|
|
Platte
|
North Bend, NB
|
70,400 mi2
|
|
|
|
