Hydrological Measurement and Analysis
Chapter one
Hydro-Meteorological Network Design
A hydro-meteorological network is an organized system for
collection of information of water and climate parameters.
Such as: Runoff, water quality, sedimentation, precipitation
and other climate parameters.
The accuracy in the estimation of both quality and quantity
of water resources depends on how much information are
available for the region concerned.
Thus helps for making the decisions for integrated water
resources development and management.
Cont…
Having enough relevant and accurate hydrologic information:
. Reduces the chances of under- design or overdesign
. Minimizes the economic losses,
. Leads to the overall increase in the benefit/ cost ratio.
In designing hydro-meteorological networks, the decisions to be
taken:
i. The variables to be measured and the frequencies and
duration of observations;
ii. The location of gauging stations;
iii. The instruments to be installed and methods of observation;
iv. Data observation and transmission system.
Objectives of network design
Some of the important objectives are listed below:
Water resources assessment at basin or sub-basin scale
Water resources assessment for administrative geographical
unit Water resources project planning including:
Irrigation
Domestic (domestic use, livestock watering)
Hydroelectric power and other power generation
Environmental requirements
Industrial requirements
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Navigation
Tourism and
recreation
Flood management
Assessing impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources
Basic Network
The basic network should provide a level of
hydrological information at any location within its
region of applicability that would preclude any
gross mistakes in water-resources decision making.
To accomplish this aim, at least three criteria must
be fulfilled:
i. A mechanism must be available to transfer the
hydrological information from the sites at which
the data are collected to any other site in the
area;
Cont…
ii. A means for estimating the amount of
hydrological information (or, conversely,
uncertainty) at any site must also exist; and
iii. The suite of decisions must include the option of
collecting more data before the final decision
made.
Network Design processes
Design of networks is not a one-time affair.
Factors affecting network design go on evolving with time
and thus the networks also require periodic review and
adjustments.
Design of networks to measure stream gauge and
discharge involves the following steps:
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1. Network design activity begins with collection of basin
maps and background information about the area/region.
The following maps should also be collected:
i. Existing precipitation and discharge gauging stations
operated by various departments.
ii. Location of existing and proposed water projects and
command areas of irrigation projects.
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iii. Land use map, also showing forests, main industries and
population centers.
iv. Communications map showing roads, rails, power
transmission lines, canals, etc.
v. Map showing soil classification, geological formation
and mining areas.
vi. Contour map or Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the
basin.
Cont…
2. Identify the objectives of the network by define the data users
and the purpose for which the data is needed. What is the required
data frequency?
3. Critically evaluate the existing network and find out how well it
meets the required objectives
4. Review existing database to identify gaps, ascertain variability in
catchment behaviour.
5. Identify the weather the existing network is over-design (if any) or
under designed. New stations may be proposed and existing
stations may be deleted/shifted (if required so).
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6. Prioritize stations by following appropriate classification system.
7. Decide on approximate location of sites and carryout site
surveys.
8. Review revised network in relation to overall objectives and
available budget; adjust it as necessary.
9. Estimate average capital and recurrent costs of installing and
maintaining different categories of stations and overall cost of
operating and maintaining the network.
10. Prepare a realistic and achievable implementation plan.
Network design and WMO criteria
The WMO has recommended the minimum network densities
for general hydro-meteorological practices.
The WMO recommendations for selection of a Rainfall gauging
site
i. For plain regions of temperate Mediterranean and tropical
zones one station for 600 - 900 sq. km.
ii. For mountainous region of temperate Mediterranean and
tropical zones one station for 100-250 sq. km.
iii. For arid and polar region one station for 1,500 -10,000 sq.
km.
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In addition to technical financial considerations are also
important in network design because the stations cannot be
established:
Without adequate money
Equipment cannot be purchased and operated,
And staff cannot be hired.
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The following are the WMO recommendations for selection of a
stream gauging site:
i. The general course of the stream should be straight for about
100 m upstream and downstream from the site.
ii. No flow bypasses the site as subsurface flow.
iii. The stream bed is not subject to scour and fill.
iv. The banks are permanent and high enough to contain
floods.
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v. Unchanging natural controls are present in the form of a
bedrock outcrop or other ruffle for low flow and a channel
constriction for high flow.
vi. Small pool is present upstream from the control at
extremely low stages to ensure a recording of stage at
extremely low flow and to avoid high velocities
vii. A satisfactory reach for measuring discharge at all stages
is available within reasonable proximity of the gauge site.
Selection of gauging station and its criteria
Raingauge Network Design
One raingauge up to 500 sq. km might be sufficient in non-
orographic regions.
In regions of moderate elevation (up to 1000 m above msl),
the network density might be one raingauge for 260 - 390 sq.
km.
In predominantly hilly areas and areas of heavy rainfall, the
density recommended is one for 130 sq. km.
Criteria of Stream gauging station
The bed and banks of the stream should firm and stableto ensure
consistency of area-discharge relationship
The bed and banks should be free from vegetal growth, boulders or other
obstructions like bridge piers , etc.
There should be no larger overflows section at flood stage
The section should be straight and uniform for a length of about 10 to 20
times the width of the stream.
The stream gauging should be easily accessible
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The stream course is straight for about 300 feet upstream and
downstream of the gauge site.
At all stages, the total flow is confined to a single channel. There is
also no subsurface or groundwater flow that passes the site.
The streambed in the vicinity of the site is not subject to scour and fill.
It is also free of aquatic plants.
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The banks of the stream channel are permanent. The are free of brush and
high enough to contain floods.
The stream channel has unchanging natural controls. These controls are
bedrock outcrops or stable riffle for low flow conditions.
At extremely low stages, a pool is present upstream from the site. This will
ensure the recording of extremely low flows and avoid the high velocities
associated with high streamflow.
Stream bank
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The gauging site is far enough removed from the confluence
with another stream or from tidal effects to avoid any possible
impacts on the measurement of stream stage.
Within the proximity of the gauge site, a reach for the
measurement of discharge at all stages is available.
The site is accessible for installation and operation and
maintenance of the gauging site.
Criteria for Artificial Control Sites
Flow Measurement structures are choice depends on variety
of factors:
• Objectives
• Flow range
• Size and nature of channel
• Channel slope and sediment load
• Operation, maintenance & cost
The applications and limitations of a structure will determine
where its use is most appropriate.
Each structure has its own specific site selection criteria.
Generally the use of artificial controls should be limited to
small rivers, is < 100 m wide and for special investigations in
artificial channels.
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The sensitivity of upstream area to increased levels should be
assessed.
For example, will the installation of the structure cause a
potential flow, increased risk of flooding.
A minimum length of straight approach channel of five times
the maximum width of the water surface is recommended for
most structures
Artificial control
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The design of the structure should be such as to minimize
upstream sediment deposition or downstream scouring.
In rivers with high bed loads the use of structures which
significantly reduce the stream velocity is not recommended.
In rivers which are navigable or those which are important fish
migration routes the use of flow measurement structures should
be avoided and some other form of flow measurement
considered.
Cont…
END!!!