ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some physical characteristics of the drainage basin that influence the magnitude and timing of runoff. Following this we examine the kinematic wave model for runoff, the timing of runoff from a basin, and basic runoff processes. The chapter introduces aspects of drainage basin morphometry and their relationship to runoff. Basin morphometry is the measurement and description of the geometric characteristics of the drainage basin. Some of the more readily observable characteristics include stream channel length, basin area and slope. The chapter introduces a few morphometric properties that are germane to a discussion of runoff and channel flow. The discussion of runoff throughout the chapter has implicitly emphasized overland flow generated by precipitation exceeding infiltration. Human activities can have a direct impact on the volume and timing of surface runoff. Surface runoff flows into stream channels and may result in flooding. Analysis of flood flows is a major field in hydrology.
