Abstract
It is common knowledge that the end user of stream flow data may necessarily not have any prior knowledge of the quality control measures applied in their generation, therefore, conclusions drawn most often times may not be effective as desired. Thus, this study is an attempt at providing an independent quality construct to boost the confidence in the use of stream flow data by developing regional flow duration curves for selected ungauged stations of the upper Niger River Basin, Nigeria. Toward this end, stream flow data for seven gauging stations cover some sub basins in the Basin were obtained; precisely, monthly stream flow data covering a range of eleven to fifty-three years period. The flow duration curves from the gauging stations were fitted with three probability distribution models; i.e., logarithmic, power and exponential regression models. For the regionalisation, parameterisation was carried out in terms of the drainage area alone to allow for simplicity of models. Results obtained showed that the exponential regression model, in terms of Coefficient of Determination (R2) had the best fit. Though the regionalised model was simple, measurable agreement was obtained during the calibration and validation phases. However, considering the length of data used and probable variability in the stream flow regime, it is not possible to objectively generalise on the quality of the results. Against this backdrop, it suffices to take into cognisance the need to use an ensemble of catchment characteristics in the development of the flow duration curves and the overall regional models; this is important considering the implications of anthropogenic activities and hydro-climatic variations.
Highlights
In Nigeria, the government has embarked on exploitation of alternative sources of energy based on domestic renewable resources, e.g., solar and hydropower
Based on the findings of the study it is imperative to note that the regionalisation of flow duration curves is an effective approach for stream flow generation and extension, especially in the face of data scarcity
It is clearly evident that the use of catchment characteristics as input parameters, to a large extent for model development whether conceptual or statistical model in essential
Summary
In Nigeria, the government has embarked on exploitation of alternative sources of energy based on domestic renewable resources, e.g., solar and hydropower. Since most selected sites for small hydropower projects are normally located on small streams where flow records are rarely available, computation methods must be developed to estimate the streamflow and the power potential of the site. The flow duration curve (FDC) is a common method to estimate the streamflow for small hydropower development. [3] opined that monthly streamflow data satisfy the basic data requirement for water resource projects Considering this regionalisation of FDC can be done to achieve qualitative results, especially for places where there is dearth of comprehensive data base. It suffices to note that regional flow duration curves can be constructed by using the available data of the regionalisation techniques, which include stream flow data recorded at other existing gauging stations in the same region
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