Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Dynamic Rating; Flood Wave; Flood Wave Factor; Hysteresis; Rating Curve; Stream Gage

Abstract

Rating curves are a vital tool to convert from observed stage to discharge in streamflow monitoring. Most gaging sites utilize a simple rating curve, which assumes a monotonic relationship between stage and discharge. In most cases, this assumption is valid; however, dynamic effects of flood waves often cause significant error in discharge estimation for mildly sloped streams. The dynamic rating method utilizes a numerical solution of the St. Venant Equations applied to time series stage data to compute discharge. Within this method, there is a flood wave parameter called the flood wave factor. The researchers designed a formal computational model to filter events and compute this variable. Using the model, the flood wave factor for 18 basins was characterized. The parameter showed a strong right skew with most values falling between 5 and 100. This term across basins correlates with drainage area and discharge, although it does not correlate with bed slope. A term exclusion-based sensitivity analysis found a low impact in discharge prediction; 99.1% of events studied resulted in less than a 5% change in discharge prediction. The factor was found to marginally increase the falling limb of the flood wave, decreasing computed hysteresis. Despite this, no association was found between the parameter and observed hysteresis. Due to the minor impact on prediction, this study recommends considering the exclusion of the flood wave factor in future models if computational efficiency is of importance.

Advisor(s)

Seo, BongChul
Holmes, Robert R., 1965-

Committee Member(s)

Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)
Corns, Steven

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2026

Pagination

xiv, 82 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes_bibliographical_references_(pages 78-80)

Rights

© 2026 Daniel James Read , All Rights Reserved

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 12606

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