Uncertainties in the single determination of river discharge: a literature review

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a literature review of more than 140 publications on the uncertainties in the determination of river discharge. The uncertainties in a single determination of discharge, which includes uncertainties in sampling the cross-sectional area and the mean velocity in time and in space and uncertainties in the current meter, are emphasized. The objectives of the literature review were to determine all the possible sources of uncertainties in a current meter measurement, to quantify these uncertainties based on past investigations, and to determine if additional research was required to improve the overall accuracy of hydrometric data in Canada. Because of lack of available information on the performance of the current meter in combination with the velocity–area method under conditions of small streams or low velocities, research is required. Research is also required to assess the uncertainties in the determination of discharge under ice conditions. Key words: accuracy, current meter, error, hydrometric data, river discharge, uncertainty, velocity–area method.