Estimating uncertainty of streamflow measurements with moving-boat acoustic Doppler current profilers

A theoretical and a semi-empirical model are presented for estimating the uncertainty of streamflow measurements made with an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) mounted on a moving platform. Both models are based on the statistical analysis of ADCP ensemble discharge time series collected duri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Hydrological sciences journal 2018-02, Vol.63 (3), p.353-368
Main Author: Huang, Hening
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
ADCP
Boats
Datasets
Dimensional analysis
discharge measurement
Doppler sonar
Empirical analysis
Empirical models
Error analysis
Estimation
Mathematical models
Measurement
Profilers
Quality control
random errors
Statistical analysis
Statistical methods
Stream discharge
Stream flow
Streamflow measurements
streams and rivers
Uncertainty
Uncertainty analysis
Variance analysis
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Summary:A theoretical and a semi-empirical model are presented for estimating the uncertainty of streamflow measurements made with an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) mounted on a moving platform. Both models are based on the statistical analysis of ADCP ensemble discharge time series collected during a transect; therefore, they account for all random error sources associated with the measurement at a site. The theoretical model is developed based on the law of propagation of variance; it explores the theoretical relationship between the variables involved in the problem. The semi-empirical model is developed based on the theory of dimensional analysis; it explores the empirical relationship between the variables. The semi-empirical model is calibrated using 205 transect datasets and verified with an additional 382 transect datasets. It provides a useful tool for the uncertainty analysis and uncertainty-based measurement quality control of moving-boat ADCP streamflow measurements.
ISSN:0262-6667
2150-3435
DOI:10.1080/02626667.2018.1433833