A method for determining the water discharge of small rivers based on water surface video images processing

An express method for determining water discharge based on calculating the surface flow velocity using the PIV method is considered. The method of performing measurements and the software operation algorithm for video images processing of a water stream are shown. The results of field studies performed using the developed method are presented, as well as the collation results obtained using standard techniques. The developed method makes it possible to obtain operational data on the water discharge data in a river or canal without expensive measuring instruments and specially trained personnel. Due to the determination of the flow velocity field along the entire transverse alignment of the studied water body, the method makes it possible to obtain more accurate water discharge data than standard measuring instruments (hydrometric turntables, float method), which are operated point-by-point at certain stations. The obtained data on water discharge can be used for scientific justification of work in the design of coastal protection, channel-regulating marine and river structures, as well as environmental assessment of the water body condition when studying the problem of water pollution. The use of this method at existing hydrological stations will make it possible to quickly determine the water discharge in rivers remotely using appropriate equipment, which is especially important in Crimea to assess peak runoff during the periods of high-water and floods.