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Bankfull discharge and recurrence intervals in Irish rivers
Date Issued
2012-11
Date Available
2013-03-14T15:16:30Z
Abstract
Different definitions of the bankfull condition in rivers are based on morphological characteristics, boundary conditions and geometrical properties. Consequently, the magnitude and associated return period of the bankfull discharge can be ambiguous. Knowledge of this discharge is important in index flood estimation and subsequent regional flood frequency analysis. This study investigates bankfull discharges and recurrence intervals at 88 locations in the Irish river network using a combination of surveyed bankfull levels, rating curves and equations and photographic records at the sites in question. Catchments ranged in area from approximately 23 km2 to 2778 km2. Recurrence intervals were determined by fitting generalised extreme value (GEV) distributions to the annual maximum flow series at the sites investigated. These intervals were found to be less than 2 years (the median annual flood) at 42 stations (48%) and less than 2·33 years (the mean annual flood assuming a GEV type 1 distribution) at 47 stations (53%). Higher return periods of between 2·33 and 10 years and 10 and 25 years were observed at a further 20% and 6% of locations respectively. Using multivariate regression analysis, the computed bankfull discharges are correlated with catchment descriptors and three expressions are presented for estimating bankfull flows.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Institution of Civil Engineers
Journal
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Water Management
Volume
166
Issue
7
Start Page
381
End Page
393
Copyright (Published Version)
2013, Institution of Civil Engineers
Language
English
Status of Item
Not peer reviewed
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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10
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