Field methods for measurement of fluvial sediment

This chapter describes equipment and procedures for collection and measurement of fluvial sediment. The complexity of the hydrologic and physical environments and man's ever-increasing data needs make it essential for those responsible for the collection of sediment data to be aware of basic concepts involved in processes of erosion, transport, deposition of sediment, and equipment and procedures necessary to representatively collect sediment data. In addition to an introduction, the chapter has two major sections. The 'Sediment-Sampling Equipment' section encompasses discussions of characteristics and limitations of various models of depth- and point-integrating samplers, single-stage samplers, bed-material samplers, bedload samplers, automatic pumping samplers, and support equipment. The 'Sediment-Sampling Techniques'` section includes discussions of representative sampling criteria, characteristics of sampling sites, equipment selection relative to the sampling conditions and needs, depth and point-integration techniques, surface and dip sampling, determination of transit rates, sampling programs and related data, cold-weather sampling, bed-material and bedload sampling, measuring total sediment discharge, and measuring reservoir sedimentation rates.

Suggested Citation

Edwards, T.K., Glysson, G.D., 1999, Field methods for measurement of fluvial sediment (Revision - 1999): U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations 03-C2, viii, 89 p. :ill. ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/twri03C2.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Report
Publication Subtype	USGS Numbered Series
Title	Field methods for measurement of fluvial sediment
Series title	Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations
Series number	03-C2
ISBN	0607897384
DOI	10.3133/twri03C2
Edition	Revision - 1999
Year Published	1999
Language	ENGLISH
Publisher	U.S. Geological Survey ;Information Services,
Description	viii, 89 p. :ill. ;28 cm.