Effects of Basin Size on Streamflow in Southern Ontario

Abstract

<p> Daily discharge data from five Southern Ontario river systems were statistically analysed to seek relationships between streamflow characteristics and basin size. From each river system, at least two stations were used to detennine such relationships. The physiographic characteristics of each river system were also examined and qualitatively related to the streamflow statistics. Comparisons between physiographic regions were expected to support the general nature of the results obtained for each river system.</p> <p> In Southern Ontario, drainage area is correlated with mean annual peak flows. When the flows were transformed into discharge per unit area no consistent effects of basin area on the streamflow characteristics were found. However, differences in streamflow per unit area between various sub-basins can be qualitatively explained by several physical characteristics of the drainage basins.</p>