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Open-File Report 95-701

Quality Assurance Plan for Discharge Measurements Using Broadband Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers

By Stephen W. Lipscomb

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Abstract

The recent introduction of the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) as an instrument for measuring velocities and discharge in the riverine and estuarine environment promises to revolutionize the way these data are collected by the U.S. Geological Survey. The ADCP and associated software, however, compose a complex sys-tem and should be used only by qualified personnel. Standard procedures should be rigorously followed to ensure that the quality of data collected is commensurate with the standards set by the Water Resources Division for all its varied activities in hydrologic investigations.

Posted April 2010

For additional information contact:
Director, Idaho Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
230 Collins Road
Boise, Idaho 83702
http://id.water.usgs.gov/

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Suggested citation:

Lipscomb, S.W., 1995, Quality assurance plan for discharge measurements using broadband acoustic Doppler current profilers: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95–701, p. (Also available at https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/1995/ofr95-701/.)



Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Training requirements

Pre-field office procedures

Software and firmware revisions

Pre-field inspection

Field procedures

Vessel installation

Instrument check

Configuration file setup

Discharge measurements

Measurement assessment

Post-field office procedures

Discharge measurement review

Documentation and archival of discharge measurements

Annual instrument check

Periodic review

Selected references



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