Abstract
Analytical tools are needed to identify and quantify artificial short-
and long-term discharge fluctuations, which can disrupt the natural
processes of a river. To measure the properties of discharge magnitude,
frequency, duration, timing and flow change, such tools typically use a
subset of metrics selected from over 170 descriptive statistical
indices. Many metrics are based on multi-day mean or median discharges
with associated variance or use a single value to describe the entire
dataset. However, these source indices do not quantify the temporal
configuration of streamflow, an additional hydrologic property that is
often overlooked. To address this situation, a non-index approach to
quantify all streamflow properties has now been developed using analysis
methods based on the lag (1) temporal autocorrelation signature of the
streamflow. The discharge (Q), discharge change (dQ/dt), and rate of
discharge change (d 2Q/dt 2), along
with sequential summations, are presented in novel infographics. A dam
release river impact case study for the Colorado River at Lees Ferry,
Arizona, is included to demonstrate this innovative way of analyzing
streamflow datasets. The result is a set of new tools which yield
detailed information about the hydrologic regime, are highly
customizable, and can either be used as a stand-alone analysis or be
integrated into other existing data analysis techniques. The end result
is a better understanding of the hydrologic regime, more focused
research, and more effective management planning.