What characteristics effect the size and shape of the curve?

1. Storm hydrograph
Thingsthat affectthe shape of the storm hydrograph
Size andshape of the riverbasin – the smallerthe basinthe lesstime ittakesthe rivertodrain so there isa shorter
lag time.The steeperthe riverthe quickerittakestodrain the water.
Weather– heavystormsmeansthat waterdoesn’thave time to infiltrate intothe soil causinglotsof surface runoff.
A lengthyrainfallcausesthe groundtobecome saturatedandthisalsoincreasessurface runoff.
Vegetation –thisinterceptsthe precipitationandaddstorates of evapotranspirationwhichreduces the through
flowasthe rootstake upwater.It isincreasinglycommoninwinterforthere tobe lotsof floodsbecause treesand
plantslose theirleaves.
Rock type – permeable rockslike chalkmayabsorbwaterwhilstimpermeablerocksencourage greater amountsof
surface runoff leadingtoamuch more rapid discharge.
Drainage density –the higherthe drainage density resultsin increasedriskof flooding asthere are more tributaries
and streams.
Urbanisation – impermeable surfaceslikeconcrete andtarmacincrease surface runoff aswell asdrainage systems
helpwaterreachthe riverquickerwhichdecreasesthe lagtime.