How to Measure the Water Current of White River

1. Where is the White River?

There are several White Rivers located in different regions. One of the well-known White Rivers is the one that flows through the United States, particularly through the states of Arkansas and Missouri.

It passes through the most varied landscape in Arkansas, be at the heart of some forest, valley, or agricultural area. Of vital importance to the local communities of the entire watershed, this river provides drinking water supplies, irrigation of rice and soybean crops, and is visited for recreation like fishing and boating. The riverbanks are houses of various wildlife species, including deer, raccoons, and numerous waterbirds.

Further downstream, the river flows into Missouri and shares its contributions to the local ecosystem as part of the regional water network. The floodplains and wetlands associated with the river are quite crucial for the ecological balance in maintaining the area by providing breeding grounds for many species.

2. What is the nature of White River's flow?

The flow rate in the White River has severe seasonal and climatic variation. During spring, large snowmelts in areas upstream coupled with increased rainfall can raise the flow in the river by as much as tenfold. The river swells at this time and can carry a bigger volume of water.

During summer and fall seasons, the flow rate usually decreases. Nevertheless, it still retains a minimum flow vital for aquatic survival and to support local communities. During winter months, the rate of flow can be further reduced, and over winter months in colder reaches of its course, parts of the river may freeze over. It has an average flow rate from a few cubic meters per second in the low-flow winter period up to several hundreds during the peak of the spring runoff.

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

Velocity Meter Method

This traditional method uses mechanical or electronic velocity meters. These instruments are installed at selected locations along the river, and these instruments then provide direct measurements of the water's velocity for the exact location where it is placed. To get a proper understanding of the whole current of the water, multiple measurements in different levels over various extents of the river are usually needed. Since the White River is very long and its conditions change over different parts, this may be quite laborious and take a lot of time.

ADCP Method

A more sophisticated and handier method of measurement of water currents is performed with ADCP current meter. It relies on sound waves that detect the movement of water particles. By emitting acoustic signals and further analyzing the Doppler shift of the reflected signals, it is able to measure the velocity of water simultaneously at more depths. This gives a comprehensive profile of the water current, enabling one to make an even more realistic appraisal of flow conditions along the whole river. ADCPs can be installed on boats, bridges, and even on buoys for continuous monitoring.

Buoy Method

The buoy method involves setting buoys in the river equipped with sensors that measure movements of water around them. The buoys, although floating on the surface, would provide an indication of the surface current. However, they may not be able to precisely capture the full complexity of water current like the other methods mentioned here, especially about the variation of velocity at different depths.

Of all the methods, ADCP current profiler is more refined and efficient for the measurement of the White River's water current.

4. How do the ADCPs that apply the Doppler principle work?

The principle of operation that is employed by the ADCPs is the Doppler principle. When an ADCP flow meter sends an acoustic signal into the water, the waves of sound pass through the water, gradually interacting with the moving particles of water. In the process of water particle movement, their reflected sound waves change frequency due to what is called the Doppler effect.

In other words, if the water particles are moving towards the ADCP meter, the frequency of the reflected wave would be higher than that emitted. If the water particles are moving away from the ADCP, then the frequency of the reflected wave would fall. The ADCP measures this shift in frequency quite accurately, enabling it to compute the speed of the water particles at each depth.

These independent vertical velocity measurements are combined by the ADCP profiler to form a comprehensive water current profile at a number of depths. This therefore gives an understanding of how the water is flowing not just at the surface but throughout the vertical section of the river itself.

5. What is required for good measurement of White River currents?

The following are some of the required characteristics for the equipment to carry out high-quality measurement of White River currents.

It is necessary that the equipment be highly materially reliable. The equipment should resist all kinds of poor conditions within the river environment, inclusion of water and sediment and fluctuations in temperature. In fact, the White River may present variable flow and, at times of high flow, even debris; so, the equipment must be strong enough.

Other desirable features include small size, light weight, and low power consumption. A device that is of compact size and lightweight is easier to handle and deploy, whether on a boat or attached to a buoy. Low power consumption ensures that the equipment can operate for extended periods without the need for frequent battery replacements or access to a continuous power source.

Cost-effectiveness is another important factor. A more economical version of the measuring equipment will have wider applications in being able to monitor the river on a larger scale.

Regarding casing for the ADCP meter, titanium alloy is quite suitable. However, this Titanium alloy has an extremely high resistance to corrosion and is very suitable for deployment in bodies of water, such as the White River, where the equipment will be in contact with water and some corrosive substances for a very long period of time. Besides, it is tough, durable, and able to respond well to physical impacts and further pressure change in the deployment and operation process. Additionally, titanium alloy has a relatively low density, thus contributing to the overall goal of keeping equipment lightweight.

6. How to Choose the Right Equipment for Current Measurement?

To choose the right equipment in measuring the current of the White River, several factors have to be considered.

Based on the Purpose of Use

In such a case, it will be apt to make use of a horizontal ADCP flow meter when measuring the horizontal cross-section of the river current. HADCPs are designed to give accurate measurement of the water flow in the horizontal plane, useful for understanding the overall movement of water across a particular section of the river.

To measure a river current in terms of the vertical cross-section, one should use a vertical ADCP. The water velocity at different depths can be measured by a vertical ADCP current profiler and can create a detailed profile of the flow pattern of the water vertically within the river.

Based on Frequency

Frequency choices will also depend on the depth of water in the White River. Normally, a 600 kHz ADCP will suffice for water depths up to 70 meters. In this manner, this 600 kHz frequency provides good resolution and accuracy while taking measurements of water current in relatively shallower waters.

For deeper waters, like those above 70 meters up to about 110 meters, a lower frequency of about 300 kHz would be most appropriate. This 300-kHz frequency has sufficiently low energy to make much deeper travel into the water while still giving valid measures of the water current.

There are several well-known ADCP current meter brands, which include 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 White 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.