DISCHARGE

Table of Contents
• Current Meter Measurement • Effect of Ice in Stream flow

• Stage – Discharge Relations • Other Methods of Obtaining Stream flow

Data

• Extension of Rating Curves

• Planning of Stream flow Network

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 WHAT IS DISCHARGE?
In hydrology, discharge is the volumetric flow rate of water that is transported through a
given cross-sectional area.

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CURRENT METER
MEASUREMENTS
A discharge measurement requires determination
of sufficient point velocities to permit
computation of an average velocity in the stream.

• Cross sectional area multiplied by average

velocity gives the total discharge.

• The practical procedure involves dividing the

stream into a number of vertical sections.

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 • For most stations a simple plot of
STAGE-DISCHARGE stage versus discharge is
satisfactory. Such a curve is
RELATIONS
Periodic meter measurement of flow and approximately parabolic but may
simultaneous stage observations provide data for show some irregularities if the
calibration curve called a rating curve or stage control changes.
discharge.

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Under conditions of shifting controls,
discharge is usually estimated by
nothing, the difference between the
stage at the time of a discharge
measurement and the stage on the
mean rating curve which shows the
same discharge.
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• Where q is the discharge
• S is the slope from the fluid
• F is the fall
• m is the exponent and expected to be
• k is also an exponent but not to be and must be
determined empirically.
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 Slope – Stage – Discharge Relations
Requires a base gage and an auxiliary gage
The gage should be far enough apart for F (fall) to be at 30cm to
minimize the effect of the observational error.

• All measurement with values of are plotted

as a simple stage discharge relation, and
curve is fitted (Fig 4.12). This is the curve
representing the discharge when if the the
ratio is plotted against on an auxiliary
chart.

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 TYPES OF FALL
CONSTANT FALL RATING
NORMAL FALL RATING

Constant Fall Rating Normal Fall Rating

• The rating just describe is known • If the fall varies over wide range
as a constant fall rating, since the and is correlated with stage, a
adopted mean fall is constant. normal fall rating may be used. In
this is determined from a curved.

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 Extension of Rating Curves
There is no completely satisfactory method for extrapolating a rating curve beyond
the highest measured discharged.

q= (4-3)
Where q is the discharge
a , b and k are the station constant
g is the gage height

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If the constants can be determined from the observed rating, Eq (4-3) can be used to
extend the rating. Three points on the observed rating such as that

(4-4)
Another method [17 , 18] of extending the rating curves is based on the Chézy
formula.

q
Where C is the roughness coefficient

s is the slope energy line (4-5)

A is the cross sectional area
R is the hydraulic radius
D is the depth substituted for R 8
 q (4-6)

Known values of q and are plotted on the graph and usually define something close to a
straight line which can be extended . Values of for stages above the existing rating can be
obtained by the field measurement and used with the extended curve for estimates of q.

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 Effect of Ice on Stream flow
When ice covers a stream, a new friction surface is formed and the stream
becomes closed conduit with lower discharge of the decrease hydraulic
radius.
Frazil ice – the first ice to form in the turbulent flow.
Anchor ice - when frazil ice is collecting on rocks on the stream bed.
Sheet ice – this happens when the turbulence is not sufficient the frazil ice is
mixed in the stream and it rises to the surface.

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Other Methods of Obtaining Stream flow Data
The discharge at dams can be determined from calibration of the spillway, sluiceway, and
turbine gates. If a record of gates and turbine operation is maintained, the discharge can be
computed.

Another method of estimating flow is by application of hydraulic principles. The procedure is

often referred to as slope area computation. Sufficient high- water marks must be located along
a reach of channel to permit the determination of the water surface slope at the time of peak.
The chezy mining formula is ordinarily used to compute discharge.

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 Planning a Streamflow Network
Types of stations:
Operational stations – required for streamflow forecasting, project
operation, water allocation and etc.
Special stations – installed to secure data for a project investigation,
special studies, or research.
Basic data stations – are operated to obtain data’s future use.
Bench mark stations – should be maintained permanently on all streams
that are substantially un affected by people.
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Thank You for
Listening