How to measure the Water current of Cimarron River?

1. Location of the Cimarron River

The Cimarron River is a major river that falls in the category of central regions of the United States. Its head is in northeastern New Mexico. It further covers a distance within Oklahoma and Kansas.

While passing through these places, it runs through different types of topography. In New Mexico, it flows through arid plains and semi-desert areas. As it winds its way across Oklahoma and Kansas, it winds through grass and farm lands. The river provides a steady, local water supply for farming irrigation purposes. Wheat, corn, and alfalfa crops depend upon its water. It also plays an essential role historically, as many early-day settlers of the region depended on its waters, and its banks helped to determine the course of the westward expansion.

The Cimarron River's ecosystem hosts a wide range of fish species, including catfish and carp. Waterbirds such as herons and egrets use the riverbanks as active habitats. The floodplains and wetlands associated with the river are very important in maintaining the ecological balance, affording breeding and feeding sites to various species.

2. What is the flow rate of the Cimarron River like?

The flow rate of the Cimarron River has big seasonal and climatic changes. The river is highly dominated by rainfalls. During wet years or during the rainy season, normally beginning in spring and early summer, the flow of the river will be characterized by a high rise. At times, runoff from catchments and heavy rainfall can swell the river and transport volumes of water in large quantities.

During dry periods, the flow rate decreases significantly. In drought years, the river may even have a very low base flow. The average flow rate can vary between just a few cubic meters per second during the dry season up to several hundred cubic meters per second during the peak of a wet period.

3. How to measure water current of the Cimarron River?

Velocity Meter Method

It applies to the conventional method employing mechanical or electrical velocity meters. Such instruments are set at certain selected locations within the river, where they measure directly the speed of the water flow at that particular spot. But to get a proper view of the general water current, several measurements at different depths and areas across the river have to be taken. This could be cumbersome, considering the actual length and variable settings of the Cimarron River.

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) Method

ADCP offers a more sophisticated and straightforward technique of measuring water currents. The velocity of the water particles is detected using sound waves. It is capable of measuring the water velocity at several depths at one time by transmitting acoustic signals and measuring the Doppler shift of the reflected signals. This will give a very detailed profile of the water current, hence enabling a far more accurate assessment of the flow conditions throughout that river. ADCPs can be installed on boats, bridges, or even deployed on buoys for continuous monitoring.

Buoy Method

The buoy approach consists of placing buoys in the river with sensors on them that measure the movement of the surrounding water. The buoys float on the surface and can provide some indication of the surface current. However, they may fail to capture in their entirety the true complexity of the water current as well as the other methods will do, particularly when it comes to velocity variations at different depths.

Of the available methods, the ADCP stands out as a more sophisticated and efficient option to be used in taking the water current of the Cimarron River.

4. How do ADCPs using the principle of the Doppler work?

ADCPs work on the basis of the Doppler principle. The acoustic signal emitted by an ADCP travels through the water and bounces off the moving water particles. Because the particles are moving, there is a change in frequency due to the Doppler effect in the sound waves that were reflected back.

If the water particles are coming towards the ADCP current profiler, then the reflected wave frequency will be higher than the frequency emitted; whereas if the water particles are going away from the ADCP, then the reflected wave frequency will fall. By precisely measuring this change in frequency, the ADCP can thereby calculate the velocity of the water particles at different depths.

The ADCP current meter will then take these independent velocity figures, taken in a number of depths, and create a complete profile of the water current. One can hence understand the development of how water is flowing not at the surface but throughout the vertical section of the river.

5. What's needed for high-quality measurement of the Cimarron River currents?

The equipment to be used in measuring the currents of the Cimarron River should have specific qualities for high-quality measurement.

The equipment used for this purpose should be highly material-reliable. The equipment should be able to support, or at least survive, the harsh conditions related to being in a river environment-exposure to water and sediment, temperature variations. The variable flow of the Cimarron River and the presence of debris during its high-flow periods require durable equipment.

Besides, the size should be small, the weight lightweight, and the power consumption relatively low. This will make the device compact and lightweight for handling and deploying purposes, whether on a boat or attached to a buoy. Low power consumption ensures that the equipment can run for very long periods without having to replace batteries or find a continuous power source.

This makes cost-effectiveness a key consideration. Lower-cost offers the widespread use of the measurement equipment and subsequently paves the way for wider monitoring of the river.

For the casing of the acoustic doppler velocity meter, the titanium alloy is a very good choice. Moreover, titanium alloy is very resistant to corrosion, which is critical in an operation that might involve water bodies with unknown or potentially corrosive contents, such as the Cimarron River. It is strong and resilient against physical impacts, not just the outer ones but also those that may emanate from within as the result of pressure changes during deployment and operation. Also, titanium alloy has a low density, which will contribute to the aim of this equipment being lightweight.

6. How to Choose the right equipment for current measurement?

When choosing the right equipment for measuring the current of the Cimarron River, several factors need to be considered.

Based on the Purpose of Use

If the intention is the measurement of a horizontal cross-section of the river current, then an HADCP shall be fitted. HADCPs are designed to provide correct measurements of the water flow in the horizontal plane, useful in visualizing the overall movement of water across a particular section of the river.

If the focus is to measure the vertical cross - section of the river current, a vertical ADCP should be chosen. Vertical ADCPs are those that can accurately record the speed of water at different depths to provide a finite profile of how the water flows vertically within the river.

Based on Frequency

The choice of frequency is basically decided upon based on the water depth of the Cimarron River. If the water depth has been up to 70 meters, then a normally suitable option would be the 600 kHz ADCP. The 600 kHz frequency will give proper resolution and accuracy in the measurement of water currents in relatively shallow waters.

For deeper waters, such as those over 70 meters up to about 110 meters, a 300 kHz ADCP would be more appropriate. The lower frequency of 300 kHz can dig deeper into the water and still provide reliable measurement of the water current.

There are well-known ADCP brands such as Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. However, for those seeking a cost - effective option with excellent quality, the China Sonar PandaADCP is worth considering. It is made of all - titanium alloy material, ensuring durability and reliability. With its remarkable cost - performance ratio, it provides a great alternative for measuring the water current of the Cimarron River. You can find more information about it on its official website: https://china-sonar.com/.

Here is a table with some well known ADCP instrument brands and models.