Fluorescent particle tracers in surface hydrology: a proof of concept in a semi-natural hillslope
Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: . In this paper, a proof of concept experiment is conducted to assess the feasibility of tracing overland flow on a semi-natural hillslope plot via a novel fluorescent particle tracer. Runoff on the experimental plot is artificially simulated by using a custom-built rainfall system. Experiments are performed by using beads of diameters ranging from 75 to 1180 μm that are sensed through an experimental apparatus comprising a light source and a video acquisition unit. Particles' transit is detected through an unsupervised methodology based on image analysis techniques and compared to results from supervised visual inspection. Average flow velocity estimations are obtained from travel time measurements of the particles as they are dragged by the overland flow on the hillslope. Velocities are compared to flow measurements obtained using rhodamine dye. Experimental findings demonstrate the potential of the methodology for understanding overland flow dynamics in complex natural settings. In addition, considerations for optimizing the particle size are presented based on the visibility of the beads and their accuracy in flow tracing.
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,725
OpenAlex ID: W2157882388