Return to HydroWeb HomepageISSN 1058-3912
Electronic journal of the International Association
for Environmental Hydrology
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JEH Volume 7 (1999), Paper 13, September 1999 Posted
September 14, 1999
USE OF A LEVEL SPREADER TO ENHANCE INTERFLOW AND DELAY TIME TO PEAK
IN A FORESTED FILTER ZONE
Narayan B. Rajbhandari
Department of Soil Science, Alabama A&M University, Normal,
Alabama, USA
ABSTRACT
The effectiveness of a modified level spreader to enhance interflow
and delay time to peak was analyzed in a 0.2 ha. forested filter zone (FFZ).
The level spreader was constructed on the contour to disperse storm flow
uniformly across the upper edge of the FFZ. H-flumes were installed at
the upper and lower edges of the FFZ. Stage height in the flume was measured
with a float-driven potentiometer monitored by a data logger. The irrigated
runoff was alternatively dispersed and concentrated under three soil moisture
conditions - saturated, field capacity, and dry. Hydrograph analyses were
performed to estimate interflow and time to peak. Dispersed flow considerably
increased interflow and delayed time to peak at the lower flume even under
saturated soil moisture conditions. The effectiveness of the dispersed
flow increased as soil moisture content in the FFZ decreased.
Reference: Rajbhandari, N.B. ; Use of a Level Spreader
to Enhance Interflow and Delay Time to Peak in a Forested Filter Zone,
Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 7, Paper 13, September 1999.
Narayan B. Rajbhandari
Plant and Soil Science Department
Alabama A&M University
P.O. Box 1208
Normal, AL 35762 USA
E-mail: rajbhandari@aamu.edu