Using this plot of annual peak discharge,what is the probability each year that a flood of 1,000 cubic meters per second will occur?
A)1 in 1,000,or 0.01%
B)1 in 100,or 1% (100-year flood)
C)between 10 and 20%
D)more than 20%

Question

Using this plot of annual peak discharge,what is the probability each year that a flood of 1,000 cubic meters per second will occur? 
A)1 in 1,000,or 0.01% 
B)1 in 100,or 1% (100-year flood) 
C)between 10 and 20% 
D)more than 20%

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

From the plot, it can be seen that a peak discharge of 1000 cubic meters per second would occur approximately 10-20% of the time. Therefore, the best answer is C. Option A is incorrect because a 1000 cubic meters per second flood is likely to occur more frequently than once in a thousand years. Option B is incorrect because it suggests that a 1000 cubic meters per second flood is a rare event that occurs once in a hundred years, but is not supported by the probability shown in the plot. Option D is incorrect because it overestimates the probability of a 1000 cubic meters per second flood occurring.

Using This Plot of Annual Peak Discharge,what Is the Probability