New
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The storm hydrograph
I can explain the characteristics and factors affecting the shape of a storm hydrograph.
Lesson 5 of 9
New
New
- Year 10
- AQA
The storm hydrograph
I can explain the characteristics and factors affecting the shape of a storm hydrograph.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The storm hydrograph shows the relationship between precipitation and discharge.
- Physical and human factors affect the shape of the storm hydrograph.
Keywords
Discharge - the volume of water flowing through a river channel at any given time, measured in cumecs
Infiltration - the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil
Lag time - the time between the peak rainfall and the peak discharge
Drainage density - a measure of how many rivers and streams there are within a given area. A high drainage density indicates many streams and rivers in the given area
Common misconception
A storm hydrograph shows rainfall.
A storm hydrograph shows river discharge changes over time, not just rainfall.
This provides an opportunity to look at drainage basins on OS maps. Pupils can identify human and physical characteristics and decide on the shape of hydrograph that would be likely following intense rainfall.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the source of a river?
What is the source of a river?
Where the river meets the sea
The widest part of the river
A small lake along the river
Q2.What is the mouth of a river?
What is the mouth of a river?
Where the river starts
Where the river joins another river
A small stream flowing into the river
Q3.What is the main process that shapes river valleys?
What is the main process that shapes river valleys?
Condensation
Freezing
Q4.In which part of a river is deposition most likely to occur?
In which part of a river is deposition most likely to occur?
Upper course
Middle course
At the source
Q5.What is river discharge?
What is river discharge?
The speed of a river
The amount of rainfall in a year
The depth of the river
Q6.Which of these are ways a river transports sediment?
Which of these are ways a river transports sediment?
Hydraulic action
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Match the lesson's keywords and their definitions.
Match the lesson's keywords and their definitions.
Q2.What does a storm hydrograph show?
What does a storm hydrograph show?
The speed of wind during a storm
The depth of a river at different locations
The temperature of water in a river
Q3.What is peak discharge on a storm hydrograph?
What is peak discharge on a storm hydrograph?
The highest amount of rainfall recorded
The lowest river discharge recorded
The total volume of water in a river
Q4.What does a steep rising limb on a hydrograph indicate?
What does a steep rising limb on a hydrograph indicate?
Slow water movement
No change in river flow
A dry period
