Which component of a hydrograph represents the decline from peak discharge toward baseflow?

Which component of a hydrograph represents the decline from peak discharge toward baseflow?

• A. Rising limb
• B. Peak discharge
• C. Falling limb
• D. Baseflow

Answer: (C)

In a hydrograph, water discharge after a rainfall event rises as runoff moves toward the stream, reaching a peak. After that peak, the discharge declines as the rainfall runoff diminishes and the stored water in the basin is released and then depleted. This decreasing portion is the falling limb, which shows the recession of flow as the system returns toward the longer-term baseflow. Baseflow is the continuous component supplied mainly by groundwater that sustains flow during dry periods, and it represents the level the hydrograph approaches after the falling limb finishes. So the decline from peak toward that sustained minimum is the falling limb.

In a hydrograph, water discharge after a rainfall event rises as runoff moves toward the stream, reaching a peak. After that peak, the discharge declines as the rainfall runoff diminishes and the stored water in the basin is released and then depleted. This decreasing portion is the falling limb, which shows the recession of flow as the system returns toward the longer-term baseflow. Baseflow is the continuous component supplied mainly by groundwater that sustains flow during dry periods, and it represents the level the hydrograph approaches after the falling limb finishes. So the decline from peak toward that sustained minimum is the falling limb.