thumbnail

Monitoring stream temperatures—A guide for non-specialists

Techniques and Methods 3-A25
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service
By: , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/tm3A25

Links

Executive Summary

Water temperature influences most physical and biological processes in streams, and along with streamflows is a major driver of ecosystem processes. Collecting data to measure water temperature is therefore imperative, and relatively straightforward. Several protocols exist for collecting stream temperature data, but these are frequently directed towards specialists. This document was developed to address the need for a protocol intended for non-specialists (non-aquatic) staff. It provides specific step-by-step procedures on (1) how to launch data loggers, (2) check the factory calibration of data loggers prior to field use, (3) how to install data loggers in streams for year-round monitoring, (4) how to download and retrieve data loggers from the field, and (5) how to input project data into organizational databases.

Suggested Citation

Heck, M.P., Schultz, L.D., Hockman-Wert, D., Dinger, E.C., and Dunham, J.B., 2018, Monitoring stream temperatures—A guide for non-specialists: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques and Methods, book 3, chap. A25, 76 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/tm3A25.

ISSN: 2328-7055 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Executive Summary
  • Section 1. Getting Started—Why, What, Where, When?
  • Section 2. Standard Operating Procedures
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 1—Launching Data Loggers
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 2—Calibration Check of Data Loggers
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 3—Installing Data Loggers in a Stream
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 4—Downloading Data Loggers
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 5—Offloading and Exporting Data in Hoboware Pro
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 6—Importing and Managing Data
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
  • Appendix 1. Data Logger Installation and Download Forms
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Monitoring stream temperatures—A guide for non-specialists
Series title Techniques and Methods
Series number 3-A25
DOI 10.3133/tm3A25
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description iv, 76 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
Public Comments This report is Chapter 25 of Section A: Surface-water techniques in Book 3: Applications of hydraulics.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details