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Base Flow Time Point Fraction Tool

One observed-flow partition from an explicitly supplied baseflow estimate; no separation filter is applied.

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Description

Return baseflow/total, total-baseflow, and physicalBalance for baseflow no greater than total.

Flow calculations relate volume, time, cross-section, velocity, and supplied model parameters. A local ratio or contribution does not by itself solve a complete hydraulic system.

Return baseflow/total, total-baseflow, and physicalBalance for baseflow no greater than total.

When to use this tool

Use Base Flow Time Point Fraction when you need one explicit flow component with coherent units and references.

How to use the tool and how it works

  1. Enter totalFlow, estimatedBaseflow, allowExcess. Use the units and conventions below.
  2. Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
  3. Read baseflowFraction, quickflow, physicalBalance. Inspect physicalBalance before interpreting the associated values.

Require positive totalFlow and nonnegative estimatedBaseflow, rejecting excess unless allowExcess. Return baseflow/total, total-baseflow, and physicalBalance for baseflow no greater than total.1

Input fieldMeaning and unitsAccepted input
totalFlowTotal FlowRequired. Finite number; strictly above 0.
estimatedBaseflowEstimated BaseflowRequired. Finite number.
allowExcessAllow ExcessRequired. Boolean.
Output fieldInterpretationReturned shape
baseflowFractionBaseflow FractionRequired. Finite number.
quickflowQuickflowRequired. Finite number.
physicalBalancePhysical BalanceRequired. Boolean.
json
{
  "input": {
    "totalFlow": 10,
    "estimatedBaseflow": 3,
    "allowExcess": false
  },
  "output": {
    "baseflowFraction": 0.3,
    "quickflow": 7,
    "physicalBalance": true
  }
}

Limitations and assumptions

  • When excess is allowed, a fraction above one and negative quickflow are diagnostic; no baseflow separation or hydrologic interpretation is performed.
  • Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
  • Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.

Alternative or Complementary methods

Use surveyed geometry, appropriate calibration, and a complete hydraulic model for operational or design decisions.

References

  1. Calculation and input contract: hydrology/base-flow-time-point-fraction — tool.io

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