Project period: 9 25 23-9 24 26PROJECT title: fixed-mount laser scanning sensor for remote stream gaging in shallow rivers with frequently changing geomorphologiesto facilitate stream gaging in…

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) awarded a $249,990 Cooperative Agreement under the USGS Research and Data Collection program (CFDA 15.808) to the University of Oklahoma's Office of Research Administration. This 3-year project will operationalize two fixed-mount, laser scanning (LIDAR) instruments to measure cross-sectional channel geometry in shallow rivers with frequently changing geomorphologies. The data collected will be integrated into USGS workflows to produce real-time, stage-area ratings remotely. Combined with non-contact radar measurements of surface water stage and velocity, this LIDAR sensor system could enable more accurate, real-time discharge estimates at previously ungaged locations during baseflow conditions. The primary deliverables include the two LIDAR instruments and a journal article documenting their operation, accuracy, and limitations. These remote sensing capabilities could facilitate widespread collection of discharge data in difficult-to-measure basins, providing important water quantity and availability data to stakeholders and hydrologic modelers across the U.S.

Project period: 9 25 23-9 24 26PROJECT title: fixed-mount laser scanning sensor for remote stream gaging in shallow rivers with frequently changing geomorphologiesto facilitate stream gaging in shallow rivers with frequently changing geomorphologies, this project will 1) operationalize two fixed-mount, laser scanning (lidar) instruments capable of measuring cross-sectional channel geometry and 2) integrate measurements from the instruments into USGS workflows and software to telemeter cross-sectional geometry data and produce real-time, stage-area ratings remotely. Combined with noncontact radars, which measure surface-water stage and velocity, lidar sensors could be used to generate more accurate, real-time discharge estimates at previously ungaged locations during relatively shallow, clear-water (baseflow) conditions. Because cross-sectional geometries cannot be accurately measured with a lidar sensor during high-flow or water quality events (when water depths and or turbidities exceed the detection limit), measurements collected during intervening baseflow conditions will instead be used to fill gaps in the gage record by interpolation. Repeat measurements during baseflow conditions will also ensure that stage-area ratings are updated more frequently in-between (and eventually in lieu of) in-person site visits.measurements made during high-flow or water quality events may still provide useful information. For example, light attenuation may be used as a proxy for water quality conditions (e.g., suspended sediment concentration) and returns near the waters edge may provide information on water surface elevations for estimating wetted width. Additionally, repeat topographic measurements may be used to quantify reach-scale erosion or deposition occurring between flood events. The primary deliverables of this project will include two plug-and-play, fixed-mount, laser scanning(lidar) instruments with a technology readiness level of 7-8 and an accompanying journal article that documents the operation, accuracy, and limitations of the instrument. Remotely operated lidar sensors would enable widespread collection of discharge data in difficult-to-measure, previously ungaged basins and would provide important water quantity and water availability data to stakeholders and hydrologic modelers across the U.S. And territories. The instruments to be developed in this project will be rigorously field tested in a relevant environment and ultimately delivered to the U.S. Geological survey (USGS) for operational applications.