-The velocity (speed) of flow
-The cross-sectional area of flow (width multiplied by depth)
LAB 7: STREAM FLOW MEASUREMENT
OBJECTIVES:
-To conduct a field survey of a stream cross-section and to measure velocity using different instruments.
The stream discharge is the volume of water passing a given point in a stream channel in a given amount of time. The discharge depends on two factors:
-The velocity (speed) of flow
-The cross-sectional area of flow (width multiplied by depth)
The discharge (Q) is defined as:
Q = WDV
Where: Q = discharge (m3 s-1)
W = width of the cross-section (m)
D = depth of the cross-section (m)
V = velocity (m s-1).
NOTE: The units of discharge are in the metric system (m3 s-1) (volume per unit time): the product of area (WD measured in m2) and velocity (measured in m s-1).