Stream flow is the flow of water in a stream and is a major part of the water cycle. Streams and rivers play a critical role in the hydrologic cycle that is essential for all life on Earth. A diversity of biological species, from unicellular organisms to vertebrates, depend on flowing-water systems for their habitat and food resources.
Stream flow measuring is done with a water current meter that measures water velocity. The current velocity meter allows you to measure flow velocity in meters per second and measure water depth in cm. The average stream flow velocity times the cross-sectional area of the stream determines the stream flow measurement in cubic meters per second. For larger streams, the current velocity meter may be used to measure a vertical profile of water velocity at several points across a stream channel. The stream flow measurement for the profile is the sum of the average velocity of each subsection of stream flow times its cross-sectional area.
Stream flow meters are expensive, so we made our own and calibrated them with the very expensive magnetic flow meters. Our stream flow meters were made using model boat propellers and bike odometers. When calibrated, these meters yielded results that were within 5% of the magnetic flow meters results.
Stream flow measuring is done with a water current meter that measures water velocity. The current velocity meter allows you to measure flow velocity in meters per second and measure water depth in cm. The average stream flow velocity times the cross-sectional area of the stream determines the stream flow measurement in cubic meters per second. For larger streams, the current velocity meter may be used to measure a vertical profile of water velocity at several points across a stream channel. The stream flow measurement for the profile is the sum of the average velocity of each subsection of stream flow times its cross-sectional area.
Stream flow meters are expensive, so we made our own and calibrated them with the very expensive magnetic flow meters. Our stream flow meters were made using model boat propellers and bike odometers. When calibrated, these meters yielded results that were within 5% of the magnetic flow meters results.
How we make a stream velocity meter
Materials 1 meter, 3/4" thick wall aluminum tubing 25 cm 1/2" thick wall aluminum tubing model boat propeller 1" diameter bike odometer ( inexpensive) 1/8 " rare earth magnet 1.5" plastic disk 1/8 stainless threaded shaft ( for model boats) Construction
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