Definitions for "Rating curve"
A graph showing the relation between the stage (ordinate, dependent variable) expressed as a height and streamflow (abcissa, independent variable) expressed as a volume per unit time.
The plot representing the relation of stage or elevation and discharge at a particular structure or point in a stream. : Appears in the balance check output and gives the error in balance relative to the sum of the current storage and the cumulative outflow of water from the hydraulic system ().
A plot that shows the relationship between the stage and discharge (streamflow) of a specific stream at a specific location. It is customary to plot stream stage on the y-axis of the plot and discharge on the x-axis. The resulting relationship is normally a curve. Rating curves can be used to estimate discharge (which is time consuming and expensive to measure) using a single stage measurement (which can be collected with automatic equipment). The principle of a rating curve enables hydrologists to monitor the discharge of many streams simultaneously once gages have been placed to collect and report the stage of the stream.