Hydrologic Analysis and Design, 4th edition

For courses in hydrology.

An introduction to hydrology through analysis and design

McCuen’s Hydrologic Analysis and Design, Fourth Edition is intended for a first course in hydrology. The text introduces students to the physical processes of the hydrologic cycle, the computational fundamentals of hydrologic analysis, and the elements of design hydrology. Although sections of the book introduce engineering design methods for engineering students, the concepts and methods pertain to students in a range of similar disciplines including geology, geography, forestry, and planning.

The Fourth Edition streamlines the organization of the chapters to strengthen the focus and scope of each section. McCuen remains vigilant of the various ways hydrology is taught, making  flexibility  a touchstone of the book’s structure. The marked flexibility in all 13 chapters provides knowledge about new design procedures, methods, and philosophies.

• Philosophy for computing times of concentration helps form the basis on a central topic to many hydrologic designs.
• Method computes runoff curve numbers depending on the storm duration.
• Method for adjusting the Rational method runoff coefficient for slope and return period is presented.
• Underlying assumptions of design methods, such as the Rational method help the user decide if the method is appropriate for a specific type of design.
• Improved calculations of stage–storage–discharge relations.
• Design procedures relate to the best management practices.
• Brief appendices outline specific topics added to this edition.
• Description of flood frequency analysis—including the addition of coincident frequency analysis.
• Emphasis on hydrologic design, including how-to procedures gives students real-world methods that enable them to practice engineering.
• Up to 25 worked case-study examples demonstrate the proper application of design methods.
• An introduction to professional ethics makes the connection between engineering design and the hydrologist's proper service to society.
• Exercises and answers include numerical problems, multiple-choice questions, and ethics discussion questions.
• Improved discussion of time and concentration.