Estimation of precipitation elasticity of streamflow from data and variability of results

Abstract

Relating changes in runoff to changes in rainfall enables prediction of runoff available under hypothesized climate change. One method for achieving this aim is to relate the relative changes in observed runoff and precipitation. Applying the method entails various choices, raising the question of how much the result varies with the choices made. This issue is addressed by proposing an algorithm for determination of the precipitation elasticity of streamflow and scrutinizing the steps at which decisions are necessary. The algorithm is used to determine results for two Murray-Darling Basin catchments by using data from different date ranges and also by varying the baseline period from which r..