Experience with a multi-depth scintillation flowmeter in the Fraser estuary

Abstract

A current-measurement experiment using the method of space-time acoustic scintillation is described. The scintillation flowmeter measures the average current along the depth of the acoustic path, in real time. Three such paths are used at nominal depths of 5 m, 6.5 m, and 9 m to obtain time series of the flow profile from which transport may be inferred. The scintillation method, instruments, and results are discussed. Comparison of current measurements from a launch show the scintillation data to be fully consistent, although difficulties in obtaining the launch data results in their being somewhat scattered.<>