ABSTRACT
One of the cover elements that influences the hydrological behavior of a watershed is the presence of areas of open water such as lakes. They play an important role due to their temporary water storage capacity. This storage capacity also helps to moderate floods by reducing peak discharge. Figure 3.22 shows this effect with Lake Geneva on the Rhone River (between its entry into the lake at Porte du Scex and its outlet at Geneva). The graphs show the monthly discharge coefficient, which is the relationship between monthly discharge and average annual discharge over a long time period.
