Base-flow-frequency characteristics of selected Pennsylvania streams

Abstract

Streamflow hydrographs of 309 streamflow stations in Pennsylvania were analyzed by using three computer-assisted empirical methods-local-minimum , fixed-interval, and sliding-interval-to separate the groundwater and surface-runoff components. The 2-, 5-, 10-, and 25-year base-flow-recurrence intervals were determined for each station. The 50-and 100-year recurrence intervals were determined for stations with minimums of 25 and 50 years of record, respectively. All active and inactive continuous-recording Pennsylvania streamflow stations with 10 or more years of record through water year 1986 were analyzed. Stations on the Delaware River in New York and New Jersey also were included. Hydrograph analysis by computer provides consistency of results by removing the subjectivity inherent in manual analyses and considerably reduces the time required to make the analyses. Estimates of the 25-year base-flow-recurrence interval made by using the local-minimum technique, which gives the most conservative estimate, range from 0.069 to 0.888 million gallons per day per square mile. Base flows estimated by using the three computer-assisted techniques compared well with published base flows estimated by using manual methods for three studies in southeastern Pennsylvania. Examples of the effects of geology, climate, regulation, and urbanization on base flow are provided. Hydrograph analysis for base flow divides streamflow into its two component parts: overland runoff and groundwater discharge (base flow). Base-flow-hydrograph analysis techniques commonly are used to estimate groundwater contributions to streamflow and to define ground-water/surface-water relations. They also are used to calculate hydrologic budgets and to estimate recharge rates.