Discharge estimates in surface-mine areas using channel-geometry techniques

Conference · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5432474

Osterkamp, W R; Hedman, E R

Discharge estimates in surface-mine areas using channel-geometry require extensive hydrologic knowledge of an area. Channel-geometry measurements offer an alternative method of estimating streamflow characteristics at ungaged sites. The method uses the empirical development of simple or multiple power-function equations yielding a discharge value from channel-configuration and channel-material data. The equations have been developed by collecting geometry and sediment data at numerous gaged sites and statistically relating those data to specified discharge characteristics. The principal advantage of the channel-geometry method is that estimates of discharge can be obtained quickly and inexpensively. Often results are as reliable as 5 to 10 years of continuous streamflow records. Relatively recent changes in slow regimen, such as those caused by depletion of streamflow by ground-water withdrawals or diversion for irrigation, are detectable by channel-geometry techniques. Discharges of perennial streams in coal-mine areas can be estimated using equations developed from data of the central and western United States. Equations intended specifically for ephemeral channels in areas of strippable coal resources in arid and semiarid areas have been developed from data collected in the western half of the conterminous United States.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Lawrence, KS
• OSTI ID: 5432474
• Report Number(s): CONF-791262-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Univ. Ky., Off. Eng. Serv., (Bull.); (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
520100 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Basic Studies-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COAL MINES
DRAINAGE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FLOW MODELS
FLOW RATE
FLUID FLOW
GEOMETRY
LAND RECLAMATION
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MATHEMATICS
MINES
MINING
POLLUTION
SURFACE MINING
SURFACE WATERS
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
WATER POLLUTION