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5/14/03:
U.S. Geological Survey hydrographer Nilo Peńa
makes a discharge measurement at the USGS streamflow-gaging station White River
at Anderson.
5/15/03:
U.S. Geological Survey hydrographers prepare to measure the streamflow on the
White River at Newberry, using a Doppler sonar meter and
global-positioning-system equipment. The streamflow measurement will verify data
computed for the USGS streamflow-gaging station White River at Newberry. At the
time of the measurement, the river was more than 5 feet above the National
Weather Service established flood stage at this station.
USGS News Release: May 12, 2003
While most people avoid floods, hydrographers of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) look for high water. That's been the case this week in the aftermath of heavy rains as USGS teams move across Indiana measuring streamflow. Many streams across the State have crested or will crest above the National Weather Service's established flood stage.
The USGS, operating a network of 170 streamflow-gaging stations in Indiana, is a primary source of real-time data for flood warnings and forecasts. The gaging-station network makes it possible for government agencies, private industry, and the general public to monitor streamflow conditions across Indiana. Many of the USGS gaging stations are equipped to transmit real-time stage and streamflow data that can be accessed through the internet.
One important use of the data is related to flood forecasts and warnings. Transmitted USGS data are received by National Weather Service river-forecast centers where personnel use the data to prepare forecasts and warnings. The flood forecasts then are distributed to local forecasting offices that distribute the information to the public--a key element in protecting lives and property.
During times of high water, USGS hydrographers visit streamflow-gaging stations to verify the accuracy of stage and streamflow data electronically collected and transmitted by the station. While at the gaging stations, USGS personnel use state-of-the-art technology--Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs)--to make their verification streamflow measurements. ADCP technology, developed originally for oceanography and adapted for use in rivers, allows hydrographers to make accurate streamflow measurements quickly and safely. ADCPs use sonar to measure water depths, speeds, and streamflows.
Information about the use of ADCPs by the USGS can be accessed at:
http://in.water.usgs.gov/hydroacoustics/adcpuses.shtml
The USGS is the Nation's largest earth-science agency and has the principal responsibility within the Federal Government for providing hydrologic information and for appraising the Nation's water resources.
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