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07:15
Parameterizing V-notch Weir Equations for Flow Monitoring in a Drainage Control Structure
Published on: April 25, 2025
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Precipitation inequality exacerbates streamflow inequality, but dams moderate it
Sai Kiran Kuntla1, Manabendra Saharia2, Samar Prakash1
1Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 6, 2023
Summary
Water inequality is a global challenge. This study reveals arid regions and Africa face the highest streamflow inequality, impacting water availability and sustainable development.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Environmental Science
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Water scarcity and inadequate sanitation affect millions globally.
- Water inequality, marked by disparities in access and availability, poses significant social, economic, and environmental challenges.
- Streamflow inequality is a key driver of water availability inequality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial and temporal variations of streamflow inequality globally.
- To analyze the relationship between streamflow inequality and catchment characteristics.
- To inform policy for sustainable water resource management.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a globally representative observational streamflow dataset.
- Employed Gini coefficients to quantify streamflow inequality.
- Correlated streamflow inequality with catchment attributes like climate and precipitation distribution.
Main Results:
- Arid climate watersheds exhibit higher streamflow inequality than polar and equatorial ones.
- Africa shows the highest streamflow inequality, followed by Australia; South America has lower inequality.
- Increasing streamflow inequality trends were observed in parts of Australia, while South America showed decreasing trends.
Conclusions:
- Evenly distributed precipitation and higher dam storage capacity correlate with more equitable streamflow availability.
- Understanding global streamflow inequality is crucial for effective water resource policy.
- Findings support efforts to foster sustainable development through improved water management.
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