Modification of routed streamflow by channel loss and base flow

The convolution integral is used to compute continuous variations in channel loss and base flow that result from a reservoir release on the North Canadian River in central Oklahoma. The open channel flow hydrograph is routed by using the unit response method and then modified for interaction with the aquifer. Stream losses and gains are evaluated from the arbitrary fluctuations in stream stage by using average values of aquifer parameters. In spite of gross simplification pertaining to the nature of the groundwater system, good agreement with the actual flow hydrograph is obtained.