ABSTRACT
I F we wanted to use an approximate (but very simple) method to determine open channel discharge, we would measure the velocity of a floating object moving in a straight uniform reach of the channel. If we know the cross-sectional geometry of the channel and have determined the depth of flow, we can compute the flow area. From the relationship Q = A X V, we can estimate the discharge Q. The average velocity of flow in a reach is approximated by timing the passage of the floating object along a measured length of channel.
