Hydrological Characteristics and Classification of Tasmanian Rivers

Annual flow records, monthly flow records, peak and low flow records were used to derive an objective hydrological regionalization for 77 Tasmanian rivers. Twelve hydrological indices were determined, and the 12 × 77 matrix was analysed using principal coordinates analysis and complete linkage cluster analysis. Four groups were determined for Tasmania, with the south-east region of the island exhibiting hydrological regimes similar to those of the drier areas of mainland Australia. The wettest areas, in the south and west, have regimes with no analogue elsewhere within mainland Australia. Significant least-squares relationships between the variables enables catchment area, mean annual runoff and coefficient of variation of annual flows to be used to extrapolate other hydrological indices.