Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

A new methodology for the quantitative visualization of coherent flow structures in alluvial channels using multibeam echo-sounding (MBES)

January 1, 2010

In order to investigate the interactions between turbulence and suspended sediment transport in natural aqueous environments, we ideally require a technique that allows simultaneous measurement of fluid velocity and sediment concentration for the whole flow field. Here, we report on development of a methodology using the water column acoustic backscatter signal from a multibeam echo sounder to simultaneously quantify flow velocities and sediment concentrations. The application of this new technique is illustrated with reference to flow over the leeside of an alluvial sand dune, which allows, for the first time in a field study, quantitative visualization of large-scale, whole flow field, turbulent coherent flow structures associated with the dune leeside that are responsible for suspending bed sediment. This methodology holds great potential for use in a wide range of aqueous geophysical flows.

Publication Year 2010
Title A new methodology for the quantitative visualization of coherent flow structures in alluvial channels using multibeam echo-sounding (MBES)
DOI 10.1029/2009GL041852
Authors Jim Best, Stephen Simmons, Daniel Parsons, Kevin Oberg, Jonathan Czuba, Chris Malzone
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70038089
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Office of Surface Water; Washington Water Science Center
Was this page helpful?