Measuring discharge with acoustic doppler current profilers from a moving boat /

The use of acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) from a moving boat is now a commonly used method for measuring streamflow. The technology and methods for making ADCP-based discharge measurements are different from the technology and methods used to make traditional discharge measurements with...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Mueller, David S.
Corporate Author: Geological Survey (U.S.)
Other Authors: Wagner, C. Russell
Format: Government Document eBook
Language:English
Published: Reston, Va. : U.S. Dept. of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, 2009.
Series:Techniques and methods ; bk. 3, A 22.
Subjects:
Online Access:High resolution version
Low resolution version
Description
Summary:The use of acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) from a moving boat is now a commonly used method for measuring streamflow. The technology and methods for making ADCP-based discharge measurements are different from the technology and methods used to make traditional discharge measurements with mechanical meters. Although the ADCP is a valuable tool for measuring streamflow, it is only accurate when used with appropriate techniques. This report presents guidance on the use of ADCPs for measuring streamflow; this guidance is based on the experience of U.S. Geological Survey employees and published reports, papers, and memorandums of the U.S. Geological Survey. The guidance is presented in a logical progression, from predeployment planning, to field-data collection, and finally to post-processing of the collected data. Acoustic Doppler technology and the instruments currently (2008) available also are discussed to highlight the advantages and limitations of the technology. More in-depth, technical explanations of how an ADCP measures streamflow and what to do when measuring in moving-bed conditions are presented in the appendixes. ADCP users need to know the proper procedures for measuring discharge from a moving boat and why those procedures are required, so that when the user encounters unusual field conditions, the procedures can be adapted without sacrificing the accuracy of the streamflow-measurement data.
Item Description:"Chapter 22 of book 3, section A."
Electronic resource.
Physical Description:x, 72 pages : digital, PDF file.
Format:System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Mode of access: Internet from the USGS web site. Addresses as of 5/27/09: http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/3a22/pdf/tm3a22%5Fhires.pdf (high resolution), http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/3a22/pdf/tm3a22%5Flowres.pdf (low resolution) ; current access available via PURLs.
Title from title screen (viewed on May 5, 2009).
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (pages 32-34).