Empirical runoff formula identification: The relation where Q is yearly runoff (cm), P is yearly rainfall (cm), H is the relief (difference in R.L. of highest and lowest points), and A is catchment area (m^2) is referred to as which named formula?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Khosla's formula

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Numerous empirical relations estimate annual runoff where gauged records are scarce. These formulas combine climatic input (P), basin geometry (A), and relief/topography (H) to approximate long-term runoff Q for planning-level assessments.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Q in centimetres depth over the basin or converted as required.
  • P in centimetres per year.
  • H characterizes terrain relief (highest minus lowest R.L.).
  • A is the plan area of the catchment.


Concept / Approach:

Among classical Indian runoff estimators, the form explicitly involving rainfall P, catchment area A, and relief H has been associated with Khosla’s approach to annual runoff estimation, which recognizes the hydrologic influence of topographic relief in addition to rainfall amount and basin size.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify variables in the stem: P, H, and A appear together with annual runoff Q.Match to the named methods: Khosla’s method includes relief effects; others typically do not combine A and H explicitly in this manner for annual runoff.Select Khosla’s formula accordingly.


Verification / Alternative check:

Standard competitive-exam references list Khosla’s formula as the relation incorporating rainfall, area, and relief for annual runoff estimation, distinguishing it from English/Justin/Vermeule variants.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • English / Justin / Vermule: These forms either omit explicit relief or are applied differently.
  • Inglis: Primarily regional for Maharashtra/Western India with other parameterizations.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing regional flood-peak formulas (e.g., Dickens, Ryves) with annual runoff relations.
  • Ignoring units when converting Q from depth to volume by area scaling.


Final Answer:

Khosla's formula.

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