| 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 (2008) 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. |
| Genre: | USGS Numbered Series |
| ProdID: | 97248 |
| Citation Author: | Mueller, David S.; Wagner, Chad R. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | U.S. Geological Survey |
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| Citation Language: | ENGLISH |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Chapter 22 of Book 3, Section A |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | x, 73 p. |
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| Citation Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Citation Series: | Techniques and Methods |
| Citation Series Code: | TM |
| Citation Series Number: | 3-A22 |
| Citation Search Results Text: | Measuring Discharge with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers from a Moving Boat; 2008; TM; 3-A22; Chapter 22 of Book 3, Section A; Mueller, David S.; Wagner, Chad R. |
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| Citation Year: | 2008 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Measuring Discharge with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers from a Moving Boat; 2008; TM; 3-A22; Chapter 22 of Book 3, Section A; Mueller, David S.; Wagner, Chad R. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/tm_3_a22.jpg |
| URL (INDEX PAGE): | http://pubs.usgs.gov/tm/3a22/ |
| Date Other: | Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00 -0600 |
| Publisher: | U.S. Geological Survey |
