Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) to measure streamflow

Detailed Description

The use of acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) from a moving boat is now a commonly used method for measuring streamflow. The technology and methods for making ADCP-based discharge measurements are different from the technology and methods used to make traditional discharge measurements with mechanical meters.

The ADCP measures water currents with sound, using a principle of sound waves called the Doppler effect. The ADCP works by transmitting "pings" of sound at a constant frequency into the water. As the sound waves travel, they ricochet off particles suspended in the moving water, and reflect back to the instrument.

► Measuring Discharge with Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers from a Moving Boat

Sources/Usage

Was this page helpful?