What is defined as the time of concentration (Tc)?

The time of concentration (Tc) is crucial in hydrology as it refers to the time it takes for runoff to travel from the most distant part of the watershed to a design point, such as a drainage outlet or a stormwater management facility. This measure is significant because it helps determine peak flow rates and is essential for the design of drainage systems, as it allows engineers to estimate when the maximum flow will occur at a particular location.

Understanding the time of concentration is vital for effective stormwater management since it influences how flooding and erosion can be addressed. A shorter Tc typically indicates a quicker rainfall response and suggests that runoff will reach the design point sooner, impacting the sizing of stormwater management systems.

While other options may seem related to water management processes, they do not define the time of concentration. For instance, computing soil loss involves different methodologies, while evaporation and infiltration pertain to other aspects of the water cycle and hydrology. The focus on runoff travel time sets time of concentration apart as a key factor in hydrology and stormwater design.