Development of an Objective Low Flow Identification Method Using Breakpoint Analysis

Low flow events (a.k.a. streamflow drought) are described as episodes where stream flows lower or equal to a specified minimum threshold level. This is usually predefined at the methodological stage of study and generally applied chosen percentile, determined from duration curve (FDC). Unfortunately, many available methods for choosing both percentile FDCs result in large range potential thresholds, which reduces ability statistically compare results different while also losing natural character phenomenon. The aim this work introduce new approach low calculation through application an objective using breakpoint analysis. method allows identification environmental moment river transition, atmospheric feed base flow, characterizes beginning hydrological drought. not only capture genesis event but, above all, unifies toward levels completely excludes impact subjective researcher’s decisions, occur when selecting criteria respective percentile. In addition, can be successfully used datasets characterized by high level discretization, such numerical model data, subsurface runoff component sufficient detail. Results show that better able occurrence event, improving identify hydrologic drought conditions. proposed published together with Python module objective_thresholds broad use other studies.