MD-DE-DC Water Science Center
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Slide 17 of 26
Use of ratings to convert stage to discharge would be rather straightforward except for the fact that the stream channels change as sediment is eroded and deposited. For example, if sediment is deposited in the channel bottom, as indicated here in red, discharge will be less than it was for the same stage prior to when the sediment was deposited.
Because most channels erode or fill naturally, discharge must be measured regularly. These measurements document any changes, or lack of changes, to ratings. Discharge is measured at most gaging stations every 6 or 8 weeks. Measurements are made more frequently at sites where the streambed is particularly unstable.
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
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Friday, May 30, 2008
