What does a hyetograph graphically represent?

A hyetograph is a specific type of graph used to represent rainfall data. It plots the intensity of rainfall over a given period, typically showing how rainfall intensity varies with time. This visual representation is crucial for understanding the distribution of rainfall events, which can inform stormwater management practices, flood forecasting, and erosion analyses.

The key function of a hyetograph is to provide a detailed view of how rain intensity changes during a storm event, helping predict runoff potential and the likelihood of soil erosion. In contrast, the other options involve different phenomena: soil erosion rates pertain to soil health and land use considered over time rather than during a specific event, river depth measures established flow conditions, and climatic changes in wetlands focus on broader environmental shifts rather than immediate precipitation events. Thus, the choice highlighting rainfall intensity against time truly encapsulates what a hyetograph represents.