Chapter 9

Streamflow Measurement

Outline:

• Theory behind measuring discharge
• Discharge measurement methods
  • Velocity-area method
  • Slope-area method
  • Rating curve method
  • Weirs and flumes
• Method selection criteria
• Demonstration of streamflow measurement devices.

Textbook reading:

• none.

Other reading:

• Gore, J. A. 1996. Chapter 3- Discharge Measurements and Streamflow Analysis. In (Hauer, F.R. and Lamberti, G.A., eds.) Methods in Stream Ecology. Academic Press, San Diego, p. 53-74.
• Here are some useful references:
  • Buchanan, T. J. and Somers, W. P. 1968. Stage measurement at gaging stations. U.S. Geological Survey, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the USGS, Book 3 Chapter A7.
  • Buchanan, T. J. and Somers, W. P. 1969. Discharge measurement at gaging stations. U.S. Geological Survey, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the USGS, Book 3 Chapter A8.
  • Smoot, G. F. and Novak, C. E. 1968. Calibration and maintenance of vertical-axis type current meters. U.S. Geological Survey, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the USGS, Book 8 Chapter B2.
  • Fasken, G. B. 1963. Guide for selecting roughness coefficient "n" values for channels.U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service.
  • Limerinos, J. T. 1969. Determination of the Manning coefficient from measured bed roughness in natural channels. United States Geological Survey Open-file report.

Related web links:

• USGS Streamflow methodology description and references
• USGS stream statistics for Massachusetts on-line calculator

Video Podcast: Discharge Measurement

This 58-minute presentation explains how to measure and estimate discharge by a variety of methods.

• 640 x 480 (480p) format that balances speed and quality. (850 MB file)
• 1920 x 1280 (HD) format that provides larges size and best quality. (5.1 GB file)

Last Chapter  :  Assignment 3