Software to support remote sensing of river discharge based on critical flow theory

River Research and Applications
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

Water resource management requires accurate observations of streamflow but standard field methods for measuring river discharge (Q) are costly and can be hazardous for equipment and personnel. Remote sensing has become a viable alternative, but many image-based techniques require field data for calibration and depth and velocity can seldom be mapped with a single sensor. A new approach based on critical flow theory, in contrast, allows both of these attributes to be inferred from readily available image data. This technique only pertains to sites with standing waves, called undular hydraulic jumps (UHJs), but a recent investigation demonstrated its potential to provide accurate discharge estimates. This paper introduces software designed to facilitate Inferring Q from UHJs Identified in River Images (InQUIRI). The package includes modules for retrieving data from image servers, making the measurements of wavelength and width required to calculate discharge, inferring a representative wavelength from a profile digitized along a wave train, combining multiple estimates to obtain an ensemble median discharge, and assessing accuracy via comparison to gage records from the U.S. Geological Survey. By making these steps easier to implement, InQUIRI enables users to apply the workflow to a variety of UHJ-containing images. Accumulating more case studies, some successful and others less so, would help constrain the range of applicability of the critical flow approach and foster development of refined guidelines for selecting and measuring waves. The software described herein could play an important role in promoting informed use of this new technique for non-contact streamflow measurement.

Suggested Citation

Legleiter, C.J., and Bae, I., 2026, Software to support remote sensing of river discharge based on critical flow theory: River Research and Applications, v. 42, no. 4, p. 915-928, https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.70110.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Software to support remote sensing of river discharge based on critical flow theory
Series title River Research and Applications
DOI 10.1002/rra.70110
Volume 42
Issue 4
Publication Date January 09, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) WMA - Observing Systems Division
Description 14 p.
First page 915
Last page 928
Country United States
State Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah
Other Geospatial San Juan River
Additional publication details