gen-define-streamflow-and-discharge-and-give-one-short-worked-ex-4d26

Define streamflow and discharge and give one short worked example.

# Streamflow and Discharge ## Definitions **Streamflow** (or discharge) is the volume of water flowing through a river cross-section per unit time. The terms are often used interchangeably. **Discharge (Q)** is specifically calculated as: **Q = A × V** Where: - Q = discharge (m³/s or cubic feet per second) - A = cross-sectional area of flow (m² or ft²) - V = average velocity of flow (m/s or ft/s) --- ## Worked Example A rectangular river channel is 8 meters wide and has an average depth of 1.5 meters. The average flow velocity is measured at 0.6 m/s. Calculate the discharge. **Given:** - Width = 8 m - Depth = 1.5 m - Velocity (V) = 0.6 m/s **Solution:** Step 1: Calculate cross-sectional area - A = width × depth - A = 8 m × 1.5 m = 12 m² Step 2: Calculate discharge - Q = A × V - Q = 12 m² × 0.6 m/s - **Q = 7.2 m³/s** **Answer:** The stream discharge is 7.2 cubic meters per second (or 7,200 liters per second).