ADCP Measurement during Peak Flows on the Blue Nile in Sudan

The high sediment load in the Blue Nile during the flood season has complicated discharge measurements with the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). This instrument applies the Doppler effect to measure flow velocities, and automatically calculates total discharge.

ADCP technology has proven effective on the Blue Nile. However, during the annual flood peaks in August and September, sediment concentrations have reached levels that made ADCP operation unreliable.

The project has organized a mission to Sennar by Mr. Jeff Woodward – senior hydrologist from Environment Canada - from 5 to 12 September 2007. The objectives are:

• Develop and test a methodology for using the ADCP for discharge measurement on the Blue Nile during the flood season, which is characterized by very high sediment loads;
• Advice on type, make, and specifications of auxiliary equipment for ADCP measurement on rivers with high sediment loads;
• Provide hands-on refresher training in ADCP operation to selected hydrometric technicians of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in Sudan.

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