An extension to the salt dilution method of measuring streamflow

Streamflow is usually calculated from area and velocity measurements. The velocity is often measured using a current meter. An alternative method of calculating streamflow is by using artificially introduced tracers. Using common salt as the tracer offers the advantages of speed, as well as more economic and lighter equipment. The method is most suitable for rapidly flowing water but is normally limited to relatively small streams. This paper shows that the difference in natural conductivity between a main river stem and its tributaries can also be used to calculate the flow in the main river. This extension to the salt dilution method allows its use on a wider range of rivers including those with larger flows and lower velocities.