Convolution Method in Hydrologic Computations

precipitation

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UH streamflow rates

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This Demonstration illustrates the convolution method used in hydrologic computations. This method employs a unit hydrograph (UH) to estimate a composite hydrograph from a provided hyetograph. The resulting hydrograph provides information such as the peak flow that can be used for the design of hydraulic structures.

Using the controls, you can change the magnitude and shape of both the hyetograph (characteristic of the storm) and UH (representing watershed response) to explore the dependence of the resulting composite hydrograph (CH).