Which of the following would have a larger adjusted intensity per hour?

Which of the following would have a larger adjusted intensity per hour?

• A. 5-year design storm frequency
• B. 10-year design storm frequency
• C. 50-year design storm frequency
• D. 100-year design storm frequency

Answer: (D)

The choice of the 100-year design storm frequency corresponds to an extreme rainfall event that is expected to occur on average once every 100 years in a given area. This means it captures the intensity of rainfall that has a very low probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. As a result, the adjusted intensity per hour for a 100-year storm is typically significantly higher than for storms of shorter return periods, such as 5-year, 10-year, or even 50-year storms. Higher design storm frequencies indicate more intense rainfall rates due to the increased severity associated with less frequent but more intense precipitation events. Engineers and hydrologists often use these longer return periods for planning in order to account for extreme weather conditions and potential flooding scenarios. Thus, among the options provided, the 100-year design storm frequency would yield the largest adjusted intensity per hour, making it crucial for understanding potential hydrological impacts and designing appropriate drainage and flood control systems.

The choice of the 100-year design storm frequency corresponds to an extreme rainfall event that is expected to occur on average once every 100 years in a given area. This means it captures the intensity of rainfall that has a very low probability of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. As a result, the adjusted intensity per hour for a 100-year storm is typically significantly higher than for storms of shorter return periods, such as 5-year, 10-year, or even 50-year storms.

Higher design storm frequencies indicate more intense rainfall rates due to the increased severity associated with less frequent but more intense precipitation events. Engineers and hydrologists often use these longer return periods for planning in order to account for extreme weather conditions and potential flooding scenarios. Thus, among the options provided, the 100-year design storm frequency would yield the largest adjusted intensity per hour, making it crucial for understanding potential hydrological impacts and designing appropriate drainage and flood control systems.