Discussion of “Some factors affecting rates of sedimentation in the Columbia River basin”

hydrologists are generally aware of the number and complexity of the variables that are encountered in all aspects of hydrology, and the great difficulty of analyzing these factors quantitatively because of inadequacy of basic data. Because of limitations in funds, time, or scientific manpower, it is likely that the basic data will generally be less than the hydrologist's hopes. In this predicament, many students have sought methods whereby it might be possible to determine the approximate effects of various factors, on the basis of meager available information. The authors, by using statistical methods of analysis, have pointed out one way that may well be rewarding in studies of other aspects of hydrology where little basic information is available.