ADCP measured flow current of the middle-lower Changjiang River channel

Abstract

The water column flow velocity of 36 river sections in the river reach between Hankou (Wuhan) and Wuxue of the middle-lower Changjiang River. Their cross sectional distribution patterns in relation to the river channel morphologies were examined by using ship-mounted ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) instrument. The results indicate four (I-VI) types of river channel morphology associated flow patterns: I—laterally deepening riverbed topographic pattern; II—symmetrical to asymmetrical riverbed topographic pattern; III—relative flat riverbed topographic pattern, and IV—sandbar supported riverbed topographic pattern. All these correspond to the different patterns of flow velocity distribution. The maximum flow velocity is usually related to the deeper water depth, but irregular water column distribution of flow current velocity results often from the vortices’ current associated with river knots. Deeper river water depth is usually identified in the river reach located slightly downstream to the river knot, where faster flow velocity occurs. Downward change in flow velocity fits semi-log law, showing an exponential decreasing flow current with the maximum flow velocity near the water surface. However, in the river reach near the river knots, the water column distribution of flow current velocity does not fit the semi-log law, showing the irregular flow current pattern. This study, in context of river catchment management, highlights the controls of riverbed morphology to the flow current structure, which will shed light on the post study of Three Gorges damming in 2009.