Constructing a geography of heavy-tailed flood distributions: insights from common streamflow dynamics

Abstract

Key Points 1. Regional propensity of flood tail behavior is shown across a diverse geographical range based on the analysis of common streamflow dynamics. 2. Temporal variability in catchment storage, driven by high evapotranspiration and dry soils, is a key mechanism for heavy-tailed floods. 3. Examining flood generation processes aids in unraveling the connections between flood tail behavior and seasons or catchment sizes.