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Questions tagged [hydrology]

The study of the occurrence, distribution, movement, and properties of the waters of the earth an their relationship with the environment within each phase of the hydrologic cycle.

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What is the purpose of these "steps" in rivers?

I have seen a number of structures within rivers, which resemble steps, and which allow the water to cascade down them instead of flowing naturally down the course of the river. Example 1: River Avon in Bath Example 2: River Seine in Paris (from…
March Ho
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Is there a method to determine the runoff for arid areas in developing countries?

Note: this question was totally rephrased and expanded on, addressing the comments and questions posed to the first version. The de-facto standard source for runoff calculations in South Africa is the "SANRAL Runoff Manual"…
SlydeRule
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Determining RTK parameters for runoff analysis

I am examining a watershed and determining runoff using the RTK method. I basically use a 'guess and check the hydrograph' method right now. I've seen calibrators that use a mutation and convergence criteria using root mean square but I've had…
RossV
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Differences between 2D hydrological modelling programs eg. HECRAS 5.0 (2D), TUFLOW, MIKE Flood

Just wondering what the difference is between 2D flood modelling programs. I am primarily considering whether HECRAS 5.0 (2D - currently in Beta) would be an acceptable alternative for simple 2D flood depth and velocity studies when compared to…
octopi
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How much air gap is required in a storm pipe?

I'm studying the design of storm sewers and I had two questions relating to air gaps in storm pipes: According to sources I've come across, flow through storm pipes require an air gap so as to maintain open channel flow. Do I need to maintain a…
AlfaZulu
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Terminology for ponding behind a bridge during a flood

I have read a specific term to describe the process when water pools behind a restriction such as a bridge during a flood. I cannot for the life of me remember what the word was. The term specifically refers to the process of the ponding of water…
octopi
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What is the technical name for a water reservoir that retains its contents via vacuum and ambient air pressure?

This is a strange question for me because this is so extremely common, but I have never heard a name to describe exactly what it is. This is commonly used to provide water to animals from a trough or tube at a constant water level without dripping.…
Dale Mahalko
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How to cut a pipe such that water comes out evenly across the length?

I am trying to build a wetland filter for a pond. Basically, you dig a big hole, fill it with rocks (large at bottom, small at the top), and pump water deep under these rocks, so the water slowly trickles upwards. My main problem is finding a way to…
Village
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Engineering in Kazakhstan and Rainfall Intensity

We are about to commence a large project in Astana, Kazakhstan worth several hundred million dollars. The design of Stormwater quantity, quality, and hydrology will be a large component of our works, and I am having an issue locating rainfall…
Louis Russell
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Why do dams deplete rivers?

I have often heard of cases where dams reduce the flow rate of rivers downstream. This makes sense in cases where some of the water that is captured by the dam is used for irrigation and such, but in some cases, dams are built solely for hydro…
kloddant
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Why is the wet/dry boundary of ground not dangerous for foundations?

A building, such as a house, rests on a foundation. Beneath it is natural earth. When it rains, the ground around the foundation becomes wet. But the ground underneath the foundation does not. There is a wet/dry boundary somewhere near the edges of…
DrZ214
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Transporting water uphill at the highest efficiency possible?

I have a passing interest in water desalination projects. One of the challenges of desalination is simply moving the water from the ocean to the desalination plant. Typically the plant is built above the height of sea level, possibly by tens to…
Dale Mahalko
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How much energy is needed for the USA to only use desalinated water?

What amount of energy would it take to replace the entirety of America's water consumption with desalinated water? And how does it compare with the country's current energy generation capacity? By "water consumption" I generally mean things that one…
einnocent
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Open Channel flow with pressure losses - flow depth?

In a horizontal channel that feeds off a river, does the head/pressure loss due to friction, turns etc in the channel translate to a drop in the water level between its inlet and outler? If so, could someone provide a basic insight how? Thanks.
James
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2 mm accuracy in an affordable water level sensor (pressure transducer) - Does one exist?

I'm looking to conduct water level monitoring in streams and rivers for water resource engineering purposes. My plan is to use Arduinos and Raspberry Pis in conjunction with a pressure transducer, as Pis and Arduinos work with the telemetry system…
Rory G
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