Hydrometric data rescue and extension of river flow records: Method development and application to catchments modified by arterial drainage

Abstract

Extended hydrometric (water level and flow) records are presented for eight Irish catchments subject to arterial drainage. The procedures employed to collect and process historical data, extend flow records and compile key metadata and information about each gauging station are described. Procedures are developed to handle data quality issues related to hydrometric practices and equipment malfunction and to quality assure rescued data using quality codes that complement modern hydrometric practices. The workflow developed will assist other hydrometric data rescue efforts and minimize subjectivity during the rescue process. The newly extended records represent the longest continuous river flow series available in Ireland, extending to the commencement of formal hydrometric monitoring in the country in 1940. The resultant data sets add 150 years of daily data across eight stations and will provide a key new resource for hydrological studies into the impacts of arterial drainage and flow nonstationarity.