Prerequisite Material for the SW1319 - Streamflow Record Computation Using ADVMs and Index-Velocity Methods Training Course
Version 1.00 - January 2016
Objective
The use of the index-velocity method has benefitted the USGS streamgaging program by providing a means to obtain more accurate streamflow data in challenging measurement environments. The goal of this online course is to provide students with the basic knowledge needed to attend the SW1319 Streamflow Record Computation Using ADVMs and Index-Velocity Methods training course, including a familiarity of:
- The index-velocity method and when it should be used
- Acoustic measurement theory
- Reconnaissance techniques and site selection
- Types of ADVMs
- ADVM mounts and installation options
- Basic ADVM configuration settings
The course also is a valuable refresher for students who are already familiar with the index-velocity method.
Taking the Course
The course should take no longer than 7 hours to complete. Students can stop and resume where they left off within each lesson as needed.
Prerequisites
- While there are no formal prerequisites associated with this course, familiarity with the material in the "Computing Discharge Using the Index-Velocity Method" Techniques and Methods Report 3-A23 will serve as a solid foundation for the material presented in this prerequisite course and in the classroom.
Narration and Slide Notes
- This course is narrated except during quizzes. Comprehensive slide notes appear for each slide and exactly match the narration. Additionally, a pdf file containing a full lesson script can be downloaded by clicking on the paper clip icon in each lesson. If you decide to turn off the sound and not listen to the narration, you may want to read the slide notes carefully as they contain more information than what appears on the slide.
Assessment and Course Credit
- The Overview lesson contains a pre-course assessment to help determine what you may already know about the index-velocity method. Additionally, all other lessons include quizzes that must be taken to finish the lesson but are not graded. After you have completed all of the lessons, there is a final assessment (see the link below) that is graded. In order to register for the classroom portion of the SW1319 course, you must take and pass (a score of 80% or better) the final assessment and submit the results to the OSW Hydroacoustics Training Coordinator. Note: If the final assesment is attempted on a mobile device, the installation of a free app may be required.
Questions and Problems
- If you have questions on the material presented while taking the course or have issues with any part of the course or assessment, please send an email to GS-W_SW1319_TEL_Help@usgs.gov.
Course Lessons
Click on the lesson title below to start each lesson.
Course Overview
Contains an overview of the course, including how to operate the lesson player, information on the instructors, what will be covered, and how to obtain help with the course. This lesson also includes a pre-course assessment to assess what you may already know about the index-velocity method.
Lesson 1 - Introduction to the Index-Velocity Method
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Describe river conditions that require use of the index-velocity method to compute streamflow
- Define the major terms used in the index-velocity method
Lesson 2 - Acoustic Measurement Theory
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Describe how an acoustic Doppler velocity meter (ADVM) measures water velocity
- Describe considerations and limitations of ADVMs for measuring water velocity
Lesson 3 - Reconnaissance Techniques and Site Selection
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
- List the characteristics of a "good" site for an index-velocity streamgage
- List resources that can be used to perform reconnaissance of potential sites
Lesson 4 - Considerations for ADVM Selection
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Describe the connection between ADVM frequency and measurement range
- Define what types of ADVMs may be appropriate for certain stream conditions
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of measuring multiple cells of velocity
Lesson 5 - ADVM Mounting, Installation, and Maintenance
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
- List the characteristics of a "good" mount for an ADVM
- Describe various options for mounting ADVMs based on example mounts presented in the lesson
- Discuss steps needed to properly maintain ADVMs in the field after they are installed
Lesson 6 - Configuring an ADVM's Measurement Volume
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Describe the major considerations when configuring the ADVM measurement volume
- Describe the different configuration settings for the range-averaged and multi-cell measurement volumes
Lesson 7 - Configuring an ADVM's Other Settings
By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
- Define measurement interval, averaging period, salinity, and SDI-12
- Describe how site considerations affect the programming of the measurement interval and averaging period
- Differentiate among various stages of data collection and describe how they influence the programming of the measurement interval and averaging period
Final Assessment
The final assessment must be taken and passed with a score of 80% or better to attend the instructor led portion of the SW1319 course.