Abstract

Traditional monitoring techniques of flow and sediment are inadequate for the sparsely populated, the rivers in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau region which are experiencing amplified climate change. Inspired by the Euchiloglanis fish, this study developed a unique self-contained hydrodynamic observation platform to withstand the high velocities of mountain rivers typically encountered in mountain rivers. The platform, equipped with sensors, was successfully deployed in the Yarlung Tsangpo River, collecting ultra-high-resolution data on flow and sediment over a period of nearly two months. Performance assessments showed that the median value of discharge per unit width measured and suspended sediment concentration by this system were basically consistent with those daily measurements from the hydrological station. Meanwhile, the superiority of the system was reflected in the more significant daily average change, especially at the flooding period. The data unveiled significant minute-level hydrological fluctuations and a complex interplay of factors affecting the river’s flow and sediment transport. A wavelet coherence analysis revealed asynchrony changes in short-period flow and sediment variables. Persistent short-period and coherent long-period signals are significantly displayed during flood events. The platform promises future applications, such as automated benthic observations and replacing traditional ’lead-line’ methods. Despite acknowledging system limitations of underwater attitude, burying tendency, and real-time data transmission capabilities, the study highlighted the crucial role of this system in understanding and managing river dynamics, particularly amid escalating environmental threats.

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