A graphical approach to characterize sub-daily flow regimes and evaluate its alterations due to hydropeaking.

摘要: Most flow regime characterizations focus on long time scale patterns, which are not precise enough to capture key components of short-term fluctuations. Recent proposed methods describing sub-daily fluctuations focused limited the being unable fully represent it, or identification peaking events based subjectively defined thresholds, unsuitable for evaluations alterations through comparisons between regulated and free-flowing rivers. This study aims launch an innovative approach visual display quantitative information address challenge hydrologic characterization evaluation alteration resulting from hydropeaking. We propose a graphical method discrete set ecologically relevant indices that characterize evaluate regimes. The frequency occurrence classified values descriptive hydrological variable is represented in map-like graph where longitude, latitude altitude Julian day, value occurrence, respectively. Subsequently, we tested several rivers, both subjected hydropower production. advantages our compared other analytical are: (i) it displays great amount without oversimplification; (ii) takes into account changes intensity, timing flows, needing priori thresholds identify hydropeaking events; (iii) supports Water Framework Directive goal. Specifically, results applications agree with Sauterleute Charmasson (2014) method.