Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: DTE
Context: A recent study (on six major river basins: Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery) delving into heavy rainfall, baseflow, and river floods in Peninsular India sheds light on the factors driving flooding in the region.
What is Baseflow?
Baseflow refers to the sustained flow of water in a river that originates from groundwater seepage into the river channel. It represents the portion of river discharge that is sustained between rainfall events and is typically fed by groundwater stored in the saturated zone.
Co-relation between baseflow and river flood:
During flood events, when rainfall increases river flow, the presence of high baseflow levels can amplify flood magnitudes. This is because higher baseflow indicates wetter conditions, making the catchment more prone to rapid runoff during heavy rainfall.
