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Geology topics

M. A. Benson

Publications and source records attributed to M. A. Benson.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2007

Nationwide study of the streamflow data program

During 1970 the Geological Survey conducted a study to evaluate the surface-water data collection program. Objectives were formulated, specific goals were set, a massive analysis of available data was made to determine the extent to which the present system enables the goals to be met, alternatives were considered for meeting the remaining goals, and finally, specific elements were identified for inclusion in the future program. The results of the evaluation will be used in planning the future streamflow data program. Less productive elements in the present program can be weeded out, and the effort devoted to more critically needed water data. The study provides the groundwork for redirection of efforts towards a more efficient system for satisfying present and future needs.

Journal of the American Water Resources Associatio↗
USGS2001

General field and office procedures for indirect discharge measurements

The discharge of streams is usually measured by the current-meter method. During flood periods, however, it is frequently impossible or impractical to measure the discharges by this method when they occur. Consequently, many peak discharges must be determined after the passage of the flood by indirect methods, such as slope-area, contracted-opening, flow-over-dam, and flow-through-culvert, rather than by direct current-meter measurement. Indirect methods of determining peak discharge are based on hydraulic equations which relate the discharge to the water-surface profile and the geometry of the channel. A field survey is made after the flood to determine the location and elevation of high-water marks and the characteristics of the channel. Detailed descriptions of the general procedures used in collecting the field data and in computing the discharge are given in this report. Each of the methods requires special procedures described in subsequent chapters.

Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations↗
USGS1966

A definition of dominant discharge

The concept of dominant (stream) discharge in geomorphology has not been firmly defined. By defining it, on rational grounds, as that discharge at which, over a long period of time, most sediment has been transported, a definite value can be computed for a stream for which there are available duration-curve values of daily discharge and a sediment-rating curve. This has been done for 5 eastern and 4 western rivers. The dominant discharge , when expressed in terms of percentage duration, is remarkably consistent, and is found to be a lower discharge than has generally been considered as dominant .

International Association of Scientific Hydrology ↗
USGS1962

Evolution of methods for evaluating the occurrence of floods

A brief summary is given of the history of methods of expressing flood potentialities, proceeding from simple flood formulas to statistical methods of flood-frequency analysis on a regional basis. Current techniques are described and evaluated. Long-term flood records in the United States show no justification for the adoption of a single type of theoretical distribution of floods. The significance and predictive values of flood-frequency relations are considered. Because of the length of flood records available and the interdependence of flood events within a region, the probable long-term average magnitudes of floods of a given recurrence interval are uncertain. However, if the magnitudes defined by the records available are accepted, the relative effects of drainage-basin characteristics and climatic variables can be determined with a reasonable degree of assurance.

Water Supply Paper↗
USGS1960

Areal flood-frequency analysis in a humid region

This study was made to define the relation between floods in a humid region and the causative factors that account for their variability. The study covered the basic relationships between peak discharges and hydrologic factors as well as the practical working methods for generalizing the results on a regional basis. Statistical multiple-correlation techniques were applied to hydrologic data in New England. A field and library investigation of historical flood data extended the period of flood knowledge to as much as 300 years. The relation of many topographic and climatic factors to flood peaks was tested. Flood peaks with recurrence intervals at 9 levels, from 1.2 to 300 years, were related to 6 independent variables, 3 of which are topographic, 2 climatic, and 1 orographic.

International Association of Scientific Hydrology ↗
USGS1960

Grid method of determining mean flow-distance in a drainage basin

The basin characteristics Σ al or L ca are useful in hydrologic studies, but existing methods of determining them are either tedious or somewhat inaccurate. The grid method presented herein lessens the amount of tedious labor and provides an accurate measure of either Σ al or L ca . An adaptation of the method could be used to compute the lag time for the basin.

International Association of Scientific Hydrology ↗