Hypsometric (Area-Altitude) Analysis of Erosional Topography.

摘要

The percentage hypsometric curve (area-altitude curve) relates horizontal cross-section area of a drainage basin to relative elevation above the basin mouth. By use of dimensionless parameters, curves can be described and compared irrespective of true scale. Curves show distinctive differences both in sinuosity of form and in proportionate area below the curve, here termed the hypsometric integral. A simple three-variable function provides a satisfactory series of model curves to which most natural hypsometric curves can be fitted. The hypsometric curve can be equated to a mean ground slope curve if length of contour belt is taken into account. (MM).