Comparison of Particle Tracking and ADCP Including Construction of the Rating Curve at Islandsfallet

Abstract: The objective of this study is to compare Large-Scale Particle Image Velocimetry (LSPIV) to conventional methods for measuring discharge. Furthermore, to use the discharge data to create a rating curve at Islandsfallet in Uppsala. To measure discharge, on-site measurements have conventionally been done. Particle tracking allows flow velocimetry measurements without contact with the water. LSPIV works by measuring displacement of tracers through analysing image sequences. Using the free software Fudaa-LSPIV, flow velocity was measured and referenced to ADCP. The ADCP data were additionally used to construct the rating curve allowing to predict the water level/discharge correlation. Particle tracking was found to hold great potential in the Fyris river, and the possibility for setting up LSPIV for continuous discharge measurements should be investigated going forward. Constructing the new rating curve with discharge measurements from ADCP implied the current rating curve not being sufficient by underestimating the discharge levels necessary for a raise in water level implying the need for an updated rating curve. Concluding, does the LSPIV show promising result compared to the ADCP and the rating curve points out a big discrepancy, in higher discharge, between the new and the old rating curve. The rating curve would however need discharge data points in a greater range.