A hydrograph illustrates the variation in river discharge over time, typically in response to precipitation.
Normal flow represents the baseline discharge, while bank-full flows indicate the river's capacity without flooding. A slow flood is characterized by a gradual rise and fall in discharge, often due to prolonged rainfall. Conversely, a brief, rapid flood features a swift rise and fall, commonly caused by intense, short-duration storms.
Urbanization alters hydrographs by increasing impervious surfaces, leading to faster runoff and higher peak discharges. This results in more pronounced and abrupt flood events, posing challenges for urban water management and necessitating sustainable development practices to mitigate flooding risks.
Complete question
Explain what a hydrograph shows and describe how discharge changes after urbanization.