Streamflow monitoring at high temporal resolution based on non-contact
instruments in a river prone to bathymetric shifts
Abstract
This study presents a reliable methodology for monitoring streamflow in
a dynamic river of the Alps prone to bathymetric changes using
non-contact instruments. The method relies on water level and surface
velocity radar monitoring, discharge measurements by Large-Scale
Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV), and topographic surveys. A single
proportional relation, resistant to bathymetric changes, is established
between maximum surface velocity (Vs,max) and bulk velocity (Umean).
Different methods are used to build this relation: (i) an empirical
approach calibrated with the LSPIV measurements; (ii) the Isovel model;
(iii) the Q-Commander software developed by the Sommer company. The
applicability of the method is tested over a 2.5-year dataset. Compared
to the empirical approach, both models, which require minimal input
data, predict well the Vs,max-Umean relation. The location of the
maximum surface velocity, which reveals to be resistant to bathymetric
changes, is also well predicted by these models. Discharge is calculated
at a time step of 10 min by multiplying the bulk velocity and the wetted
area. The results are compared to the discharge series at the historical
station located 2.5 km further upstream, which has a stage-discharge
rating curve. Good agreement is observed when surface velocity is above
0.7 m/s, but accuracy decreases for lower velocities. A simplified
uncertainty analysis estimates a 20% relative error on discharge
calculated with the presented method.