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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Southeast Watershed Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #193339
Title: LONG TERM HYDROLOGIC TRENDS ON THE LITTLE RIVER EXPERIMENTAL WATERSHED

Author
item Bosch, David - Dave
item Sheridan, Joseph

Submitted to: Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/16/2006
Publication Date: 5/16/2006
Citation: Bosch, D.D., Sheridan, J.M. 2006. Long term hydrologic trends on the little river experimental watershed. Proceedings of the 2nd Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds, May 16-18, 2006, Otto, NC. p. 125-133.

Interpretive Summary: Generalized flow relationships relating precipitation to streamflow are important for developing water policy plans. These relationships are useful for municipalities and state governments as they make decisions regarding water allocation. Over thirty years of precipitation and streamflow data collected in the Little River Watershed in South Georgia by the Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory were examined and summarized. The data indicate that approximately 30% of the precipitation which falls in the region leaves as streamflow. Comparisons of the Little River data to streamflow data from other regions indicate that streamflow on a per area basis from this region is typically greater than that observed from other regions. These data will help the states of Georgia, Florida, and Alabama as they make decisions regarding water rights.

Technical Abstract: The USDA-ARS, Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory (SEWRL) in Tifton, Georgia has continuously collected hydrologic and climatic data from the Little River Watershed since 1968. The data are representative of conditions throughout the low-gradient regions of the Southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain physiographic region. Hydrologic and climatic data are available from up to eight watersheds ranging in area from 2.6 to 334 km2. Total stream flow from each of these watersheds were characterized for the period of record and compared to climatic patterns. Relationships and trends between observed precipitation and flow were examined. Basic statistical characterizations of annual precipitation and flow were determined. Long term hydrologic budgets indicate approximately 30% of the watershed precipitation leaves as streamflow. Generalizations relating watershed yield to watershed drainage area illustrate differences between this region and other areas of the U.S.