Measuring discharge with acoustic Doppler current profilers from a moving boat
Techniques and Methods
3-A22
This report is Chapter 22 of Section A: Surface-water techniques in Book 3 Applications of Hydraulics.
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Abstract
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 (2013) 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.
Suggested Citation
Mueller, D.S., Wagner, C., Rehmel, M.S., Oberg, K.A., Rainville, F., 2013, Measuring discharge with acoustic Doppler current profilers from a moving boat (First posted January 22, 2009; Revised February 26, 2009; Version 2.0: March 5, 2014): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods 3-A22, xvi, 95 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm3A22.
ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Measuring discharge with acoustic Doppler current profilers from a moving boat |
| Series title | Techniques and Methods |
| Series number | 3-A22 |
| DOI | 10.3133/tm3A22 |
| Edition | First posted January 22, 2009; Revised February 26, 2009; Version 2.0: March 5, 2014 |
| Year Published | 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Office of Surface Water |
| Description | xvi, 95 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Report |
| Larger Work Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Larger Work Title | Section A: Surface-water techniques in Book 3 Applications of Hydraulics |