Using Noncontact Measurement of Water Surface Dynamics to Estimate River Discharge

Estimating river discharge requires simultaneous measurement of velocity and flow depth. While surface velocities are relatively easy to measure using noncontact techniques, depth usually physically intrusive instrumentation. This limits our capability remotely monitor in natural rivers subject bed level variations. work tests the potential estimate velocity, water depth, average then a only sequence images dynamic surface. The method is based on comparison between spatiotemporal Fourier spectra pixel intensities these theoretical dispersion relations turbulence-generated fluctuations gravity-capillary waves. validated through analysis videos obtained with fixed cameras from two sections equipped conventional gauging. applicability approach demonstrated uncertainties quantified. affected by main sources uncertainty: one derives estimation index other obtainable resolution analysis. strongly controls observation and/or variations space time. technique has advantages over current approaches: it clear physical foundations; equipment low cost highly mobile; does not need artificial tracers or depth; can directly provide estimates key parameters just time series