Mississippi River Streamflow Measurement Techniques at St. Louis, Missouri
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Volume 139, Issue 10
Abstract
Streamflow measurement techniques of the Mississippi River at St. Louis have changed through time (1866–present). In addition to different methods used for discrete streamflow measurements, the density and range of discrete measurements used to define the rating curve (stage versus streamflow) have also changed. Several authors have utilized published water surface elevation (stage) and streamflow data to assess changes in the rating curve, which may be attributed to be caused by flood control and/or navigation structures. The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough review of the available flow measurement data and techniques and to assess how a strict awareness of the limitations of the data may affect previous analyses. It is concluded that the pre-1930s discrete streamflow measurement data are not of sufficient accuracy to be compared with modern streamflow values in establishing long-term trends of river behavior.
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Acknowledgments
The research reported herein was partially supported by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Geological Survey. The authors gratefully acknowledge this support. However, the findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of these organizations.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Hydraulic Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 10 • October 2013
Pages: 1062 - 1070
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 26, 2012
Accepted: Apr 11, 2013
Published online: Sep 16, 2013
Published in print: Oct 1, 2013
Discussion open until: Feb 16, 2014
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