baseflow

views updated May 18 2018

baseflow(dry-weather flow) In a stream or river, the flow of water derived from the seepage of groundwater, and/or through-flow into the surface watercourse. At times of peak river flow, baseflow forms only a small proportion of the total flow, but in periods of drought it may represent nearly 100 per cent, often allowing a stream or river to flow even when no rain has fallen for some time. See also interflow and subsurface flow.

baseflow

views updated May 08 2018

baseflow (dry-weather flow) In a stream or river, the flow of water derived from the seepage of groundwater, and/or through-flow into the surface watercourse. At times of peak river flow, baseflow forms only a small proportion of the total flow, but in periods of drought it may represent nearly 100%, often allowing a stream or river to flow even when no rain has fallen for some time. See also INTERFLOW; and SUB-SURFACE FLOW.