Monthly flow analysis and FDCs application for characterization of Yongcui River basin, Northeast China

Two graphic methods (double mass curve (DMC) and flow duration curve (FDC)) were applied to analyze the monthly flow of Yongcui River basin including the Liangshui National Nature Reserve. The results showed that the factor (s) other than precipitation affected monthly flow insignificant. The high flows (0 to 50 percentiles) of monthly flow were more affected by variation of precipitation. The low flows (larger than 50 percentiles) reflected that variation in precipitation unlikely caused the different in monthly low flow. Yongcui River has a sustained dry season flow according to the historical data analyzed, but with relatively smaller discharge. The high flows show a less sustained as seen from the steeper slopes of the FDCs in the high flow tail end. Further researches on high flow analysis are needed and this enhanced understanding may contribute to ensure water resources sustainable management and supply.