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Value of Streamflow Data for Project Design—A Pilot Study
Author(s) -
Dawdy D. R.,
Kubik H. E.,
Close Edward R.
Publication year - 1970
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr006i004p01045
Subject(s) - streamflow , marginal value , value (mathematics) , environmental science , term (time) , computer science , statistics , mathematics , geography , economics , drainage basin , physics , cartography , quantum mechanics , microeconomics
The value of streamflow data for project design is related to benefits forgone because of insufficient streamflow data. Stochastic simulation of a long‐term hypothetical record for a sample station is used to determine a reservoir design based on full (hypothetical) information. Shorter segments of the long‐term trace are then used for design under the same criteria in order to compute benefits forgone as a result of lack of full information. For the station used in this study, a low mean flow, high variability station, the marginal value of streamflow data approaches the marginal cost at some time beyond the length of 100 years. The manner in which the value of streamflow data for project design can be evaluated is illustrated.