Measuring flood discharge in unstable stream channels using ground-penetrating radar

Abstract

Research Article| May 01, 1997 Measuring flood discharge in unstable stream channels using ground-penetrating radar Kurt R. Spicer; Kurt R. Spicer 1U.S. Geological Survey, 5400 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver, Washington 98661 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar John E. Costa; John E. Costa 1U.S. Geological Survey, 5400 MacArthur Blvd., Vancouver, Washington 98661 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Gary Placzek Gary Placzek 2U.S. Geological Survey, 450 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut 06103 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1997) 25 (5): 423–426. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0423:MFDIUS>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Kurt R. Spicer, John E. Costa, Gary Placzek; Measuring flood discharge in unstable stream channels using ground-penetrating radar. Geology 1997;; 25 (5): 423–426. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1997)025<0423:MFDIUS>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Field experiments were conducted to test the ability of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to measure stream-channel cross sections at high flows without the necessity of placing instruments in the water. Experiments were conducted at four U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations in southwest Washington State. With the GPR antenna suspended above the water surface from a bridge or cableway, traverses were made across stream channels to collect radar profile plots of the streambed. Subsequent measurements of water depth were made using conventional depth-measuring equipment (weight and tape) and were used to calculate radar signal velocities. Other streamflow-parameter data were collected to examine their relation to radar signal velocity and to clarity of streambed definition. These initial tests indicate that GPR is capable of producing a reasonably accurate (±20%) stream-channel profile and discharge far more quickly than conventional stream-gaging procedures, while avoiding the problems and hazards associated with placing instruments in the water. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.