River loggers - a new tool to monitor riverine suspended particle fluxes

Abstract

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has developed an in situ digital turbidity logger (AIMS River Logger) to record time series of fine suspended sediment concentrations in North Queensland rivers. The loggers use dual LED transmissometers (15 and 85 mm pathlength) to measure in situ turbidity associated with the range of suspended sediment concentrations (0-5 g L-1) encountered in regional rivers. A system of wiper brushes clean the optical surfaces prior to instrument readings. Overlying water depth and temperature are concurrently recorded. Internal batteries provide sufficient power for unattended deployments of 6+ months with readings taken at 30 minute intervals. Records of suspended sediment concentrations in the lower Tully River over three wet seasons (1996, 1997, 2000) are shown in relation to concurrent river discharge. Peaks in suspended sediment concentration coincide with discharge events. During each event, peak sediment concentrations typically occur during the rising stage of the hydrograph, then decline rapidly prior to significant falls in water level. Derived suspended loads during discharge events are generally proportional to the size of the event, though higher responses are recorded during the initial flood event of each wet season.