Regional Geomorphological Relationships

Graphical plots showing the correlation relationships between Bankfull flow parameters and watershed area became prevalent with the work of Dunne, Leopold and co-workers. The term regional implies that the correlation (graphical fit) between Bankfull flow and the associated parameter is best for channels in a specific land use, hydrologic or physiographic region. The correlation (graphical fit) often worsens when channels from distinctly separate regions are included in the analysis.

This section will illustrate four correlation (graphical fit) relationships:

1. Bankfull Discharge to Drainage Area
2. Bankfull Cross-Sectional Area to Drainage Area
3. Mean Bankfull Depth to Drainage Area
4. Bankfull Width to Drainage Area

Image courtesy of Rosgen