53:078 Principles of Hydrology (Spring 2004)
Problem #16
Direct Runoff Hydrograph Prediction Using a Unit Hydrograph

The 1-hour unit hydrograph for a 0.635 mi2 catchment is given below.

Time (min) 1-hour UH (cfs)
0 0.0
30 10.6
60 24.7
90 49.4
120 74.2
150 98.9
180 113.0
210 102.4
240 91.8
270 77.7
300 56.5
330 42.4
360 31.8
390 23.0
420 12.4
450 7.1
480 3.5
510 0.0
  1. Determine the volume of direct runoff Vd (in acre-feet) of the unit hydrograph.
  2. Determine the depth of direct runoff rd (in inches) for the unit hydrograph.  Verify that the unit hydrograph is consistent with 1-inch of rainfall excess (i.e., a property of a unit hydrograph).
  3. Estimate the direct runoff hydrograph (in cfs) for a 1-hour period with rainfall excess of 2.8 in.
  4. Estimate the direct runoff hydrograph (in cfs) for a 1-hour period with rainfall excess of 1.6 in, followed by a 1-hour period with rainfall excess of 1.2 in.

Last changed on 03/22/04 by aab.