Author(s): Mohamad Basel Al Sawaf; Kiyosi Kawanisi

Linked Author(s): Kiyoshi Kawanishi

Keywords: Flow direction; Streamflow; Underwater acoustic tomography; Travel-time

Abstract: Precise monitoring of river flow dynamics is essential for effective water resource management and flood risk mitigation practices. The literature showed numerous methods that provide accurate estimation of continuous river flow using advanced monitoring instruments and hydrological models. However, comprehensive understanding of continuous monitoring of streamflow direction has received little attention in hydrological research, leaving room for improvement of current estimation approaches. The main purpose of this study is to introduce new concepts for streamflow direction computation using travel-time principles. To achieve this goal, we deployed a sophisticated underwater acoustic tomography system in both a unidirectional river and a dam lake. For a multidirectional stream environment like a dam lake, a cross-shaped configuration with four tomographic stations is necessary to provide continuous estimation of flow direction. In contrast, for a unidirectional river, a triangular configuration of three tomographic systems is essential for providing continuous measurements of river flow direction. We discussed the flow direction computation for each configuration scheme and proposed new equations to offer accurate and continuous estimation of streamflow directions in different stream types. Overall, this paper presents new insights into continuous estimation of streamflow direction using advanced underwater acoustic tomography systems based on travel-time principles. The proposed equations can serve as new guidelines for improving current methods and concepts in continuous river flow estimation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/978-90-833476-1-5_iahr40wc-p0087-cd

Year: 2023