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Initial Abstraction is a parameter that accounts for all losses prior to runoff and consists mainly of interception, infiltration, evaporation, and surface depression storage. Check FAQs
Ia=PT-F-Q
Ia - Initial Abstraction?PT - Total Precipitation?F - Cumulative Infiltration?Q - Direct Surface Runoff?

Initial Abstraction Example

With values
With units
Only example

Here is how the Initial Abstraction equation looks like with Values.

Here is how the Initial Abstraction equation looks like with Units.

Here is how the Initial Abstraction equation looks like.

5Edit=16Edit-2Edit-9Edit
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Initial Abstraction Solution

Follow our step by step solution on how to calculate Initial Abstraction?

FIRST Step Consider the formula
Ia=PT-F-Q
Next Step Substitute values of Variables
Ia=16-2-9
Next Step Prepare to Evaluate
Ia=16-2-9
LAST Step Evaluate
Ia=5

Initial Abstraction Formula Elements

Variables
Initial Abstraction
Initial Abstraction is a parameter that accounts for all losses prior to runoff and consists mainly of interception, infiltration, evaporation, and surface depression storage.
Symbol: Ia
Measurement: VolumeUnit:
Note: Value can be positive or negative.
Total Precipitation
Total Precipitation is the sum of rainfall and the assumed water equivalent of snowfall for a given year.
Symbol: PT
Measurement: VolumeUnit:
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Cumulative Infiltration
The cumulative infiltration excluding initial abstraction is total amount of water that soil strata are able to absorb from rainfall or irrigation in a given time.
Symbol: F
Measurement: VolumeUnit:
Note: Value should be greater than 0.
Direct Surface Runoff
Direct Surface Runoff is the rain or meltwater that runs off during the rain or melt event as overland flow or in the vegetation cover above frozen soil.
Symbol: Q
Measurement: VolumeUnit:
Note: Value should be greater than 0.

Other Formulas to find Initial Abstraction

​Go Initial Abstraction given Ratio of Infiltration to Retention
Ia=PT-(QSF)
​Go Initial Abstraction given Total Precipitation
Ia=PT-Rmax

Other formulas in Basic Theory category

​Go Water Balance Equation for Rainfall
PT=Ia+F+Q
​Go Actual Infiltration
F=S(QPT-Ia)
​Go Cumulative Infiltration given Total Precipitation
F=PT-Ia-Q
​Go Equation for Potential Maximum Retention
S=F(PT-IaQ)

How to Evaluate Initial Abstraction?

Initial Abstraction evaluator uses Initial Abstraction = Total Precipitation-Cumulative Infiltration-Direct Surface Runoff to evaluate the Initial Abstraction, The Initial Abstraction formula is defined as the parameter that accounts for all losses prior to runoff and consists mainly of interception, infiltration, evaporation, and surface depression storage. Initial Abstraction is denoted by Ia symbol.

How to evaluate Initial Abstraction using this online evaluator? To use this online evaluator for Initial Abstraction, enter Total Precipitation (PT), Cumulative Infiltration (F) & Direct Surface Runoff (Q) and hit the calculate button.

FAQs on Initial Abstraction

What is the formula to find Initial Abstraction?
The formula of Initial Abstraction is expressed as Initial Abstraction = Total Precipitation-Cumulative Infiltration-Direct Surface Runoff. Here is an example- 5 = 16-2-9.
How to calculate Initial Abstraction?
With Total Precipitation (PT), Cumulative Infiltration (F) & Direct Surface Runoff (Q) we can find Initial Abstraction using the formula - Initial Abstraction = Total Precipitation-Cumulative Infiltration-Direct Surface Runoff.
What are the other ways to Calculate Initial Abstraction?
Here are the different ways to Calculate Initial Abstraction-
  • Initial Abstraction=Total Precipitation-(Direct Surface Runoff*Potential Maximum Retention/Cumulative Infiltration)OpenImg
  • Initial Abstraction=Total Precipitation-Maximum Potential RunoffOpenImg
Can the Initial Abstraction be negative?
Yes, the Initial Abstraction, measured in Volume can be negative.
Which unit is used to measure Initial Abstraction?
Initial Abstraction is usually measured using the Cubic Meter[m³] for Volume. Cubic Centimeter[m³], Cubic Millimeter[m³], Liter[m³] are the few other units in which Initial Abstraction can be measured.
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