Baseflow recession analysis for comparison of drainage basins and geology

By means of baseflow recession analysis a method of comparing drainage basins and geologic formations with the aquifers at maximum performance has been developed. With the technique it is possible to analyze data for perennial and intermittent streams. A minimum of subjective judgments is involved, so that comparable results can be obtained from independent investigations. The baseflow recession curve is assumed to be a decay-type curve. The maximum aquifer capacity can be determined from integration of the maximum recession curve. Baseflow data were analyzed for 61 drainage basins representing 9 geologic formations in the south-central United States, and the relative groundwater storage of the formations have been evaluated.