Sütdiagram

Sütdiagram, also known as a Sutcliffe diagram, is a graphical representation used in the field of hydrology to analyze the relationship between precipitation and evapotranspiration. It was developed by John E. Sutcliffe in the 1970s as a tool to understand the water balance of a catchment area. The diagram plots the cumulative precipitation against the cumulative evapotranspiration over a given period, typically a year.

The sütdiagram consists of two main components: the precipitation line and the evapotranspiration line. The precipitation line represents the cumulative amount of rainfall received over time, while the evapotranspiration line represents the cumulative amount of water lost through evaporation and plant transpiration. The intersection of these two lines indicates the point at which the cumulative precipitation equals the cumulative evapotranspiration.

The slope of the precipitation line reflects the variability of rainfall, with a steeper slope indicating more frequent and intense rainfall events. The slope of the evapotranspiration line, on the other hand, reflects the rate at which water is lost from the catchment, which is influenced by factors such as vegetation type, soil moisture, and temperature.

By analyzing the sütdiagram, hydrologists can gain insights into the water balance of a catchment area, including the timing and magnitude of runoff events, the effectiveness of water management practices, and the potential for water scarcity or flooding. The diagram is particularly useful for long-term water resource planning and management, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the water balance over an extended period.