1. What is Surface Velocity of River?

Surface Velocity of River is used to get a rough estimate of the runoff. It represents the speed at which the surface water of a river is moving.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the surface velocity formula:

Where:

• \( v_s \) — Surface Velocity of River (m/s)
• \( S \) — Distance Travelled (m)
• \( t \) — Time Taken to Travel (s)

Explanation: The formula calculates the surface velocity by dividing the distance travelled by the time taken to cover that distance.

3. Importance of Surface Velocity Calculation

Details: Surface velocity measurement is important for hydrological studies, flood prediction, sediment transport analysis, and environmental monitoring of river systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter distance travelled in meters and time taken in seconds. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why measure surface velocity instead of average velocity?
A: Surface velocity provides a quick estimate and is easier to measure, though it may differ from the average velocity across the river cross-section.

Q2: What factors affect surface velocity measurements?
A: Wind, water temperature, riverbed roughness, and channel geometry can all influence surface velocity readings.

Q3: How accurate is surface velocity for runoff estimation?
A: Surface velocity provides a rough estimate. For precise runoff calculations, more comprehensive measurements including cross-sectional area are needed.

Q4: What are typical surface velocity values in rivers?
A: Surface velocities vary widely from less than 0.1 m/s in slow-moving rivers to over 3 m/s in fast-flowing streams and rapids.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for other fluids?
A: While the formula is universal, the calculator is specifically designed for river surface velocity calculations.