River Velocity Research Articles

Stereo System for Remote Monitoring of River Flows

In this article we present a video-based method for river flow monitoring. The proposed method aims at deriving efficient approximations of the river velocity using natural formations on the river surface. In order to overcome peculiarities of the flow, we propose to uniformly exploit all such structures that appear locally with short temporal duration. Towards this direction we explore the expanded capabilities of a stereoscopic camera layout with the dual observation fields and the potential of reverting projective deformations. By mapping to world coordinates, all spatial locations in the video reflect velocity as a uniform field, except for local flow variations. The velocity estimation is performed by computing the optical flow using a series of video frames, combining the information of the views of both cameras. The novelty of the proposed river flow estimation scheme lies on the fact that the accuracy of motion estimation is increased due to the use of the complementary views, which also enables the transition from a 2-Dimensional image-based velocity estimate to 3-Dimensional estimates. The estimated optical velocity is back-projected to the real world coordinates using the parameters extracted using the stereoscopic layout. The results on simulated and real conditions demonstrate that the proposed method is efficient in the estimation of the surface velocity and robust against locally disappearing formations, since it can compensate for a loss with other formations active in the field of view.

Data Assimilation to Estimate the Water Level of River

Data assimilation is an estimation method for stochastic dynamic system by combining the mathematical model with measurement data. Water level and velocity of river are stochastic dynamic system, and it is important to estimate the water level and velocity of river flow to reduce flood risk disaster. Here, we estimate the water level and velocity of river flow by using data assimilation specially Kalman filter and Ensemble Kalman filter. We define mathematical model of river flow, discretize and do simulation by Kalman filter and Ensemble Kalman filter. In data assimilation, we forecast the water level and velocity by using mathematical model and based on the measurement data, the correction of forecasting is made.

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS - JENIS IKAN DI SUNGAI BATANG GADIS KECAMATAN MUARASIPONGI KABUPATEN MANDAILING NATAL SUMATERA UTARA

Research about "Identification the type of fish in Sungai Batang Gadis Muarasipongi subdistrict Mandailing Natal Sumatra Utara" The study aims to determine the types of fish and Chemical Physics parameters. Research using descriptive methods and determination of observation stations is purposive sampling, that the sampling technique. The results of the study there are five types of fish that are grouped into two orders, namely the Cypriniformes and Siluriformes,and 3 Family namely Cyprinidae, Balitoridae, Sisoridae. The conclusion of the study there are 5 types of fish are included in the 2 Order and 3 Family entirely included into the group Osteichthyes. Most of the Order Cypriniformes and Siluriformes smallest. Most are family Cyprinidae. Results Physical and chemical parameters including water temperature 22oC; pH 7,53; brightness 1.40m; a depth of river 2.28 m; the flow velocity of river 2.09 m / sec; river width of 18 m.

Volunteered Geographic Videos in Physical Geography: Data Mining from YouTube

Volunteered geographic information and citizen science have advanced academic and public understanding of geographical and ecological processes. Videos hosted online represent a large data source that could potentially provide meaningful results for studies in physical geography—a concept we term volunteered geographic videos (VGV). Technological advances in image-capturing devices, computing, and image processing have resulted in increasingly sophisticated methods that treat imagery as raw data, such as resolving high-resolution topography with structure from motion or the calculation of surface flow velocity in rivers with particle image velocimetry. The ubiquitous nature of recording devices and citizens who share imagery online have resulted in a vast archive of potentially useful online videos. This article analyzes the potential for using YouTube videos for research in physical geography. We discuss the combination of suitability and availability that has made this possible and emphasize the distinction between moderately suitable imagery that can directly answer research questions and lower suitability imagery that can indirectly support a study. We present example case studies that address (1) initial considerations of using VGV, (2) topographic data extraction from a video taken after a landslide, and (3) data extraction from a video of a flash flood that could support a study of extreme floods and wood transport. Finally, we discuss both the benefits and complicating factors associated with VGV. The results indicate that VGV could be used to support certain studies in physical geography and that this large repository of raw data has been underutilized.

Simulating Spawning and Juvenile Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Habitat in Colorado River Based on High-Flow Effects

High flow generates significant alterations in downstream river reaches, resulting in physical condition changes in the downstream regions of the river such as water depth, flow velocity, water temperature and river bed. These alterations will lead to change in fish habitat configuration in the river. This paper proposes a model system to evaluate the high flow effects on river velocity, water depth, substrates changes, temperature distribution and consequently assess the change in spawning and juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) habitats in the downstream region of the Glen Canyon Dam. Firstly, based on the 2 dimensional (2D) depth-averaged CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model and heat transfer equation applied for simulation, three indices were simulated, namely depth, flow velocity and temperature distribution. Then, the spawning and juvenile fish preference curves were obtained based on these three indices and substrates distribution. After that, the habitat model was proposed and used to simulate the high flow effects on juvenile and spawning rainbow trout habitat structure. Finally, the weighted usable area (WUA) and overall suitability index (OSI) of the spawning and juvenile fish species were quantitatively simulated to estimate the habitat sensitivity. The results illustrate that the high flow effect (HFE) increased the juvenile rainbow trout habitat quality but decreased the spawning rainbow trout habitat quality. The juvenile trout were mainly affected by the water depth while the spawning rainbow trout were dominated by the bed elevation.

河川における流速の評価方法に関する研究

河川における流量観測は高水時には浮子測法が標準法として用いられてきた．しかし近年，ドップラー型や画像処理型と呼ばれる観測方法が実観測に適用されるようになってきた．それらの精度検証や適用に関する検証は行われてきたものの，観測流速そのものに着目して，それらの違いについて検討した研究は少ない． 本研究では，まず実観測において異なる観測方法で捉える流速から計算した流量の違いの実態を示した．しかし，この違いは観測流速から流量への変換する際に生じたものか？あるいは，異なる観測方法が捉えた流速は元々定義の違い流速なのか？定義の違い流速はどのぐらい差があるか？これらの問題は明にされてない．以上の点を踏まえ，本研究は観測方法ごとの流速を分類し，それらの関係について，Cauchy-Schwarzの不等式を用いて，新しく理論を導出した．その理論の検証や，定量的な評価を行うために数値計算を実施した．その結果，理論と同様に，Euler的観測においては時間平均速度の方が，Lagrange的観測においては空間平均速度の方が大きな値を示した．

Open Channel Flow Friction Factor: Logarithmic Law

ABSTRACT Lim, H.S., 2018. Open channel flow friction factor: Logarithmic law. The friction factor in open channel flow is considered to increase proportionally with wall roughness compared to that of pipe flow because of undulation at the free surface. The undulation is considered to be driven from the bottom and side walls. The increment factor associated with free surface undulation, shape distortion, and meandering is related to the Manning coefficient, and the incremented friction factor is substituted into the friction factor of circular pipe smooth (stretching) turbulent flow so as to yield the friction factor for open channel flow. The new equation for friction factor or mean velocity provides similar results to the Manning equation and the Ganguillet-Kutter (GK) equation for small streams. However, it is found that the Manning equation results in larger values of mean velocity in wide rivers compared with the GK equation and the new logarithmic equation based on the concept termed as “smooth turbu...

INVESTIGATION OF DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF ZOOPLANKTON COMMUNITY IN THE ARPA RIVER (ARMENIA) AND ITS MAIN TRIBUTARIES

The role of different environmental factors in the formation of zooplankton community in the river ecosystems of the Arpa River catchment basin was investigated. The results of the study showed that zooplankton diversity in the mentioned ecosystems was significantly affected by the river velocity, which caused not only deterioration but also improvement in the status of zooplankton diversity. It was also revealed that the main environmental factors determining the species structure of zooplankton community in the Arpa, Yeghegis and Darb rivers were oxygen saturation, total phosphorus, total suspended solids and organic matter (of terrigenous origin probably).

Towards an increase of flash flood geomorphic effects due to gravel mining and ground subsidence in Nogalte stream (Murcia, SE Spain)

Abstract. Transition from endorheic alluvial fan environments to well-channelized fluvial systems in natural conditions may occur in response to base-level fluctuations. However, human-induced changes in semi-arid regions can also be responsible for similar unforeseen modifications. Our results confirm that in-channel gravel mining and aquifer overexploitation over the last 50 years in the case study area have changed the natural stability of the Nogalte stream and, as a result, its geomorphic parameters including channel depth and longitudinal profile have begun to adapt to the new situation. Using interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data we obtain maximum values for ground subsidence in the Upper Guadalentín Basin of ∼ 10 cm yr−1 for the period 2003–2010. In this context of a lowered base level, the river is changing its natural flood model to a more powerful one. A comparison of the 1973 flood event, the most dramatic flood event ever recorded in the area, with the 2012 event, where there was a similar discharge but a sediment load deficit, reveals greater changes and a new flooding pattern and extension. In-channel gravel mining may be responsible for significant local changes in channel incision and profile. This, together with the collateral effects of aquifer overexploitation, can favour increased river velocity and stream power, which intensify the consequences of the flooding. The results obtained here clearly demonstrate an existing transition from the former alluvial pattern to a confined fluvial trend, which may become more pronounced in the future due to the time lag between the drop in aquifer level and ground subsidence, and introduce a new scenario to be taken into consideration in future natural hazard planning in this area.

Catchment‐scale modeling of riverine species diversity using hydrological simulation: application to tests of species‐genetic diversity correlation

AbstractSpecies distribution models were developed to predict the spatial patterns of the species diversity and the genetic diversity of stream organisms using a distributed hydrological model. We derived annual metrics of water depth and flow velocity in rivers using a hydrological model covering an entire catchment in northeastern Japan. We acquired geospatial data throughout the catchment and the presence records of six taxa within the part of the catchment. Subsequently we derived habitat suitability indices (HSIs) for these taxa using a frequency analysis or the maximum‐entropy approach (MaxEnt) to predict three metrics of species diversity. The Shannon‐Wiener's diversity index based on MaxEnt (Shannon_MaxE) most effectively represented empirical taxon richness. Subsequently, by comparing Shannon_MaxE and empirical genetic diversity for the four species of stream insects, we evaluated species‐genetic diversity correlations (SGDCs). Of the four species, only one caddisfly species (Hydropsyche orientalis) displayed significant positive SGDCs. The result reflects the broad habitat range of this taxon throughout the catchment and its poor dispersal ability, whereas the other three species lacked SGDCs and displayed either a strong dispersal potential (Stenopsyche marmorata and Ephemera japonica) or a narrower habitat range within upstream domains (Hydropsyche albicephala). Finally, we estimated the spatial distribution of genetic diversity of H. orientalis populations based on the calculated Shannon_MaxE using the positive SGDC. This framework is promising for projecting future biodiversity in the context of anthropogenic perturbations such as climate change.

Doppler sonar measurements of bedload sediment transport: Yes there’s a signal, but can it be quantified?

It has been demonstrated that Doppler sonar measurements of apparent bottom velocity in rivers is correlated with bedload transport. We explore the degree to which this measurement can be quantified using a field deployable multi-frequency (1.2-2.2 MHz), bistatic Doppler sonar system that provides three-component velocity profiles over a ~30 cm interval with ~5 mm resolution at a rate of 50 profiles/sec. Model simulations of system performance demonstrate that the estimates of bed movement are proportional to sediment flux but scaling to actual sediment flux would require an empirical fit. In order to explore the system capability under actual field conditions, a series of experiments was undertaken at the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory (SAFL). The SAFL facility provides a 1.8 m deep, 2.75 m wide flume tank that allows flow rates of order 1 m/s over a mobile bed and where the bedload transport can be measured by sediment traps built into the flume system. We report on preliminary results from trials made at...

Sediment motion and velocity in a glacier-fed stream

Current understanding of coarse sediment transport (e.g. threshold for motion, travel length and virtual velocity) in mountain rivers is still quite limited, and even less is known about glacial streams. However, the hydrological characteristics of these systems (strong daily discharge fluctuations, high water turbidity) pose challenges to the use of tracers to monitor bed sediment dynamics, as tagged clasts are usually located after bedload events when flow stage has receded, e.g. by means of portable antennas in the case of Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT). The use of stationary antennas, still scarcely in use worldwide, to detect PIT-tagged particles has potential advantages in glacier-fed streams. If water discharge is monitored continuously, a stationary antenna provides real time data on the actual discharge at the moment of tracer particles passage. This study focuses on incipient motion and virtual velocity of bed particles measured by a stationary antennas system in a steep mountain channel (Saldur River, drainage area 18.6km2, Italian Alps) where significant daily discharge fluctuations and bedload transport occur as a result of a nivo-glacial regime. Four stationary antennas were installed 50-m apart in the study reach. A total of 629 PIT-tagged clasts were inserted in the studied reach between 2011 and 2014, ranging in size from 35mm to 580mm, with an overall recovery rate of around 44%. Critical discharge for sediment entrainment was obtained by detecting the movement of tracers placed immediately upstream of antennas. Virtual velocity was derived by knowing distances between the antennas and travel time of tracers. Results on initiation of motion show that the relationship between the size of transported tracers and the discharge measured at the time clasts were passing the stationary antenna is very weak. The influence of antecedent flows on incipient motion was thus investigated by dividing the highest discharge recorded between each PIT deployment and the subsequent entrainment by the actual critical discharge at the time of movement (ratio Qmax/Qc). Results show that approximately 50% of tracers moved at Qmax/Qc≤1.2, and that 73% of tracers moved at Qmax/Qc<1.5. Therefore, about 30% of tracers had to previously experience a discharge substantially greater than the one that actually mobilized them. Also, coarser particles moved at higher Qmax/Qc ratios, suggesting that higher antecedent flows may be needed to destabilize bed clustering. Results on the virtual velocity of the PIT-tagged clasts employed in the field show that the virtual velocity turned out to be highly variable (ranging from 101 to 10−5mmin−1) and weakly related to either particle size or flow discharge. However, virtual velocity was well correlated with the highest flow discharge experienced by each tracer normalized by a percentile of the flow duration curve. This evidence further stresses the importance of flow history on sediment entrainment and transport. Finally, the pros and cons of the deployed monitoring technology are discussed.

Application of shallow-water acoustic tomography to measure flow direction and river discharge

High-frequency Fluvial Acoustic Tomography System (FATS) was initially used to measure flow velocity and river discharge in a mountainous river. The results showed the high-frequency FATS, not only improves the velocity resolution, but also reduces the minimum operational range from 76m to 43m in compare with the previous type of FATS. The analysis of sound wave propagation (Ray tracing) showed the bottom topography can be the reason of multi-ray paths of sound wave in the shallow freshwater rivers. A new formula based on the continuity equation introduced to estimate the variations of the angle between the flow direction and the FATS transmission line. The flow direction was measured using two crossed FATS transmission lines of 53kHz and 30kHz. The results compared to the up-looking ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) deployed near the intersection of the two lines which measured the changes in flow direction. The results affirmed the efficiency of the proposed method. Finally, the river discharge was estimated by both FAT systems and compared to the Rating Curve method and moving-boat ADCP estimates. The relative error of the FATS discharge measurements was less than 10%.

Estimation of hydrodynamic pattern change of Ichamati River using HEC RAS model, West Bengal, India

The physically-based hydrodynamic model can simulate the water flow dynamics of a stream network against time varying boundary conditions that can be implemented for the case of Ichamati River. Such river models are often an important component of flood forecasting, tidal fluctuation system that forecasts river levels in flood prone regions of the middle stream of Ichamati river. The measurements of river bed depth/slope, water quality (river cross section), floodplain mapping and boundary condition flow are essential for the set up of a river model. But one can use proxy approaches relying mostly on remote sensing data from space platforms for the purpose. In this study, we set up the one dimensional river analysis system (RAS) model of the hydrologic engineering center (HEC) over the stream network of the Ichamati river basins. Good quality in situ measurements of river hydraulics (cross section, slope, flow) were available only for the upstream and middle stream flood prone region of the basin. The de-siltation of the stretch of Ichamati river under survey i.e. middle part showed impacts which were positive in ways more than one. The river velocity in the top strata is 0.3 m/s from model and the river regained its ecological flow. Also, the increased salinity of the river helped in cultivation of different species of fishes, which are socio economically relevant in the adjoining areas. Due to the increased capacity of the channel in the middle part possibility of flood has also decreased. The total volume of silt accumulated has been estimated 277,589.92 m3. The rate of sedimentation was then calculated and found to be 16,328.82 m3/month silt deposition during monsoon and 11,109 m3 silt deposition during non monsoon period. It may be concluded that out of 6 % annual silt deposition, 5 % silt deposition took place during the month between June and October and 1 % silt deposition during the month between November and May. Silt excavation along 20 km stretch of Ichamati river showed distinct rejuvenation of the river stretch. The program of silt excavation along other stretches of river Ichamati study area would certainly bring positive impact on the river ecology and environment. Ecological flow needs to be maintained in rivers in the upstream due to chocking the silt deposition. Ecological flow in Ichamati river is absent in many stretches of the river due to heavy silt deposition.

REMOTE SENSING APPLICATION OF THE GEOPHYSICAL CHANGES IN THE COASTLINES AND RIVERS OF ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES

Geophysical changes in river outlet, river upstream and coastlines near the rivers of Bucao and Santo Tomas in Zambales, Philippines were analyzed using the Google Earth’s historical satellite imageries from 2004 to 2013. Data in 2015 were gathered from in situ field measurements ground validation. The study aimed to measure and determine changes in the width of river outlet, width of river bank upstream and shifting of coastline. &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt; Results revealed that there was a decrease and increase in the width size of the Bucao and Santo Tomas river outlets, respectively during the study period. Geophysical changes occurred in the two rivers due to the continuous supply of lahar as an after effect of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Coastline positions near the two rivers also changed. The highest rate of erosion along the coastal area was prevalently observed near the river outlet of both rivers. Moreover, accretion was observed in the coastline of Santo Tomas and erosion phenomenon was observed in the North and South coastlines of Bucao River. The shifting was caused by natural processes such as erosion, sedimentation and natural calamities as well as anthropogenic processes such as reclamation/quarrying. Occurrence of erosion and sedimentation played active roles in the changes of coastlines during the study period. &amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt; Furthermore, the upstream of the Bucao river changed physically due to deposits of lahar present in the upstream which are being discharged directly and continuously going down to the river. Generally, the width of the Bucao River upstream decreased its size because of the accumulated sediment in the riverbank. On the other hand, the observed erosion is caused by high velocity of river during heavy rains and typhoons. The width of the Santo Tomas river bank upstream did not change due to the construction of concrete dikes which prevent the lahar-filled river from breaching the embankment and flooding the agricultural, residential and commercial areas near the river.

REMOTE SENSING APPLICATION OF THE GEOPHYSICAL CHANGES IN THE COASTLINES AND RIVERS OF ZAMBALES, PHILIPPINES

Abstract. Geophysical changes in river outlet, river upstream and coastlines near the rivers of Bucao and Santo Tomas in Zambales, Philippines were analyzed using the Google Earth’s historical satellite imageries from 2004 to 2013. Data in 2015 were gathered from in situ field measurements ground validation. The study aimed to measure and determine changes in the width of river outlet, width of river bank upstream and shifting of coastline. Results revealed that there was a decrease and increase in the width size of the Bucao and Santo Tomas river outlets, respectively during the study period. Geophysical changes occurred in the two rivers due to the continuous supply of lahar as an after effect of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991. Coastline positions near the two rivers also changed. The highest rate of erosion along the coastal area was prevalently observed near the river outlet of both rivers. Moreover, accretion was observed in the coastline of Santo Tomas and erosion phenomenon was observed in the North and South coastlines of Bucao River. The shifting was caused by natural processes such as erosion, sedimentation and natural calamities as well as anthropogenic processes such as reclamation/quarrying. Occurrence of erosion and sedimentation played active roles in the changes of coastlines during the study period. Furthermore, the upstream of the Bucao river changed physically due to deposits of lahar present in the upstream which are being discharged directly and continuously going down to the river. Generally, the width of the Bucao River upstream decreased its size because of the accumulated sediment in the riverbank. On the other hand, the observed erosion is caused by high velocity of river during heavy rains and typhoons. The width of the Santo Tomas river bank upstream did not change due to the construction of concrete dikes which prevent the lahar-filled river from breaching the embankment and flooding the agricultural, residential and commercial areas near the river.

Solute transport processes in flow-event-driven stream–aquifer interaction

The interaction between streams and groundwater controls key features of the stream hydrograph and chemograph. Since surface runoff is usually less saline than groundwater, flow events are usually accompanied by declines in stream salinity. In this paper, we use numerical modelling to show that, at any particular monitoring location: (i) the increase in stream stage associated with a flow event will precede the decrease in solute concentration (arrival time lag for solutes); and (ii) the decrease in stream stage following the flow peak will usually precede the subsequent return (increase) in solute concentration (return time lag). Both arrival time lag and return time lag increase with increasing wave duration. However, arrival time lag decreases with increasing wave amplitude, whereas return time lag increases. Furthermore, while arrival time lag is most sensitive to parameters that control river velocity (channel roughness and stream slope), return time lag is most sensitive to groundwater parameters (aquifer hydraulic conductivity, recharge rate, and dispersitivity). Additionally, the absolute magnitude of the decrease in river concentration is sensitive to both river and groundwater parameters. Our simulations also show that in-stream mixing is dominated by wave propagation and bank storage processes, and in-stream dispersion has a relatively minor effect on solute concentrations. This has important implications for spreading of contaminants released to streams. Our work also demonstrates that a high contribution of pre-event water (or groundwater) within the flow hydrograph can be caused by the combination of in-stream and bank storage exchange processes, and does not require transport of pre-event water through the catchment.

Flood forecasting and alert system for Arda River basin

Summary The paper presents the set-up and functioning of a flood alert system based on SURFEX–TOPODYN platform for the cross-border Arda River basin. The system was built within a Bulgarian-Greek project funded by the European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) Programme and is in operational use since April 2014. The basin is strongly influenced by Mediterranean cyclones during the autumn–winter period and experiences dangerous rapid floods, mainly after intensive rain, often combined with snow melt events. The steep mountainous terrain leads to floods with short concentration time and high river speed causing damage to settlements and infrastructure. The main challenge was to correctly simulate the riverflow in near-real time and to timely forecast peak floods for small drainage basins below 100 km 2 but also for larger ones of about 1900 km 2 using the same technology. To better account for that variability, a modification of the original hydrological model parameterisation is proposed. Here we present the first results of a new model variant which uses dynamically adjusted TOPODYN river velocity as function of the computed partial streamflow discharge. Based on historical flooding data, river sections along endangered settlements were included in the river flow forecasting. A continuous hydrological forecast for 5 days ahead was developed for 18 settlements in Bulgaria and for the border with Greece, thus giving enough reaction time in case of high floods. The paper discusses the practical implementation of models for the Arda basin, the method used to calibrate the models’ parameters, the results of the calibration-validation procedure and the way the information system is organised. A real case of forecasted rapid floods that occurred after the system’s finalisation is analysed. One of the important achievements of the project is the on-line presentation of the forecasts that takes into account their temporal variability and uncertainty. The web presentation includes a comparison of the forecasted river flow to three predefined alert levels.

Application of modified Manning formula in the determination of vertical profile velocity in natural rivers

Seldom studied before, the vertical profile velocity is indicative of the flood process and nutrient transportation process. In this paper, a substitution of cross section hydraulic radius with vertical depth was made to the Manning formula, which was then applied in the vertical profile velocity determination. Simultaneously, the determination accuracy and its relationship with hydraulic conditions were discussed, based on the 1050 vertical profiles sampled from 140 cross sections in flood and moderate level seasons. The observations show the following. (1) The modified Manning formula provides a simplified approach for vertical profile velocity determination with acceptable accuracy. (2) The fitting quality of the profile velocity from the middle region of the cross section and the flood season were higher than that from near the bank or the moderate level season. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the regression for the moderate level season and the flood season were 0.55 and 0.58, while the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficients were 0.64 and 0.82, respectively. (3) Analysis of the determination error and the coefficient of variation showed a positive correlation with the river aspect ratio. This seems to suggest that the modified Manning formula tends to be more applicable in narrow and deep rivers. More measurements from rivers or channels with a high aspect ratio would be meaningful for future research.

Development and evaluation of an automated system for testing current meters

ABSTRACT Current meters are equipment widely used for estimating flow velocity in rivers and streams. Periodic calibrations of current meters are important to ensure the quality of measurements, but the required testing facilities are complex and only available in a few institutions. However, advances in electronics and automation may contribute to developing simple and reliable calibration systems. Thus, this study aimed to develop an automated system for testing current meters, which consisted of a trapezoidal channel, a step motor, a tow car and a management system, composed of a supervisory application and microprocessed modules to control the motor and the data acquisition. Evaluations of the displacement velocity showed that it matched the reference value up to 1.85 m s-1 for a vertical-axis current meter and 2.3 m s-1 for a horizontal-axis one. The developed system showed reliability during tests, for both current meter movement and data acquisition. The management of the system based on the developed modules and the supervisory application improved its user interface, turning all the procedure into a simple task.