Monitoring Suspended Sediment and Flow along the Mississippi River: Episode 2

In this video segment, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Lower Mississippi Gulf Water Science Center (LMGWSC) scientists give a detailed description of how the USGS uses Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, (ADCP) to measure flow along the lower Mississippi River. In-depth methods are explained on how the USGS deploys ADCPs, their specific mounts, initial setups, calibrations, offsets, and computer software programs used to view and record the digital data. Quality assurance methods and software are also discussed. Furthermore, the USGS staff explain how they utilize the flow data to establish sampling global positioning system (GPS) points across the channel to collect water samples at specific areas across the river channel using depth-integrating water samplers.

Created as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between the USGS and the National Water Agency and Geological Survey of Brazil to support sediment and flow monitoring practices in Brazil.