04/10/2023

Sources of runoff
• Streamflow or runoff is the flow of water on the earth surface
through stream channels.
• Streamflow is generated by precipitation during storm events and by
CHAPTER 6 groundwater entering surface channels.
Surface runoff (Stream flow) • During dry periods, stream flows are sustained by groundwater

Sources of runoff, measurement of runoff, flood (event, discharge. Where groundwater reservoirs are below stream channels
storm, response) hydrographs (often in arid regions), streams cease to flow during protracted
drought.
Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 99 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 100

Factors Affecting Runoff/Stream Flow Stream flow measurement

Can you mention few factors? Stream flow measurement is also known as stream gauging, is a technique
used to measure the discharge passing through a stream/channel per unit
• Rainfall, time. Flow stage or gage height is the height (depth) of water flow in the
• Temperature, stream channel and can be used to determine the stream flow discharge.
• Wind velocity, Purposes/Importance of stream gauging
• Humidity, 1. The design of water supplies, dams and other engineering works;
• Physiographic factors (size, shape, slope, drainage density, etc), 2. Monitoring the sustainability of water allocation and water management;
3. Implementing water restrictions;
• Soil (type, depth) 4. Flood mitigation and drainage;
• Landuse pattern e.g., grass/pasture, bare land, impervious surfaces 5. Monitoring climate change and drought; and
6. Assessment of changes in water yields resulting from altered land use.
Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 101 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 102
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Gauging Station Site Characteristics Suitable as a Gauging Station for

Measuring Streamflow
The place where the stream flow measurement is carried out is called
gauging point or gauging station.  The site must be a straight reach/channel
 Beneath the mouth of a tributary or below a confluence point
The gauging station must be in permanent nature, i.e. the site characteristics
 Above and below settled areas if flowing stream is not fully regulated
should remain unchanged for a long period to time. Such sites are called
permanent control.  Around water management and transport structures e.g. bridges, culvert or
above intake canals
 Site should be easily accessible.
 At site where groundwater flow to the gauging station is negligible.
 The major part of the runoff in the reach is in the form of channel flow.
Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 103 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 104

Collection/Measurement of Stream Flow Data (a) Velocity-area method or Mid-section method

Streamflow data is gathered primarily by hydrologists. It is a

dependent variable in most hydrologic studies. Its computation
usually involves the estimation of rates or volumes of flow.
Streamflow measurement methods:
a. Velocity-area method (current d. Float-area method
meter) e. Direct volumetric method
b. Flow Measuring structures f. Indirect method
(weirs and flumes)
c. Dilution method
Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 105 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 106
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(a) Velocity-area method or Mid-section method Current Meter

This method is suitable for medium to large rivers and involves the use of a
current meter, which is a fluid velocity-measuring instrument. Observations
are made by lowering the meter from a bridge across the stream or river
channel.

Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola
Description of the Velocity-Area Method 107 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 108

Application of Current Meter Application of Current Meter

 The stream water velocity is measured using a current meter.  The lowering of Current meter is done by
 A current meter consists of a propeller or a horizontal wheel with small, cone- using hanging rod, which provides easiness
shaped cups mounted on it. in measurement of velocity at a particular
 When current meter is placed into the water flow, the mounted cups fill with flow depth.
water and turn the wheel. The number of rotations of the propeller or wheel-  The observed number of revolutions is used
cup mechanism correspond the velocity of water flowing through the stream. to calculate the velocity of water flow
 To have accurate measurement, the current meter is lowered to the depth 0.6d through stream section using the formula:
 The measured flow velocity at this depth is considered as mean flow velocity
V  aN  b V = flow velocity (m/s),
a and b are the constant and
in the stream. N = number of revolutions per second
Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 109 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 110
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Procedures for Stream Flow Measurement

 The diagram shows a cross-section of a stream or river channel
Current meter or Flowmeter  The channel width is divided evenly into rectangles
 The reading (number of revolutions) is taken at the centre of each rectangle,

Guys… at 0.2, and 0.8 of the depth below the water level using current metre.
 The area of each rectangle is obtained as the product of vertical distance and

Let’s Watch!! horizontal distance (i.e. length at mid-section x breath) of the rectangle
 The total flow is computed as Q = qi = AiVi
Where qi = flow along each section (m3/s); Vi = velocity along each section
(m/s); Ai = area of each section (m2)
Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 111 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 112

Example 6.1 Example 6.2

A current meter was used for measuring the flow velocity of UCC Tabulated below is the data related to discharge measurements at a
river. The observed resolutions recorded at the depths of 0.2 and 0.8 certain section of a river behind UCC Kabale, obtained by using a
of flow depth are 100 and 75rps, respectively. Find the average flow current meter. Compute the total discharge of the section.
velocity. Take the value of constants of current meter as a = 0.65 and Current meter formula is given as:
b = 0.30. LET’S TRY IT AS CLASS WORK
LET’S TRY IT AS CLASS WORK
V  aN  b V0.2d = 0.65x100 + 0.30 = 65.30 m/s
V  aN  b
No of revolutions at 0.2 of flow depth =100/per second V0.8d = 0.65x75 + 0.30 = 49.05 m/s Where:
(No of revolutions at 0.8 of flow depth =75/per second V = velocity of flow (m/s)
Vav = (65.30 + 49.05)/2 = 57.17 m/s a = 0.65
b = 0.04
N = number of revolution/sec
Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 113 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 114
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Cross-section of the river channel

Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 115 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 116

Reading Assignment:
Read on the following methods by which streamflow can be measured
 Weirs and flumes
 Dilution method
 Float area method
 Direct volumetric method
 Indirect method

Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 117 Dr Abdulkadir T. Shola 118