Maximum discharges are applied to hydraulic structure design and minimum discharges are used to characterize water availability in hydrographic basins and subterranean flow. This study is aimed at estimating the confidence statistical intervals for maximum and minimum annual discharges and their relationship wih the physical characteristics of basins in the Alto Rio Grande Region, State of Minas Gerais. The study was developed for the six (6) greatest Alto Rio Grande Region basins at upstream of the UHE-Camargos/CEMIG reservoir. Gumbel and Gama probability distribution models were applied to the maximum and minimum long-term discharges respectively, using Maximum Likelihood estimators. Confidence intervals are important tools for better understand and estimation of water flows, being influenced by the geological characteristics of the basins. Based on the results, we could distinguish two hydrological systems: Aiuruoca, Carvalhos, and Bom Jardim basins, which have produced the greatest maximum and minimum discharges, which means they are more prone to floods, and have more water availability; and F. Laranjeiras, Madre de Deus and Andrelandia basins, which presented smaller water availability.
Confidence intervals; specific discharges; statistical hydrology
