MANMOHAN TECHNICAL

UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Budiganga, Morang
Nepal

A REPORT ON :

Engineering Hydrology Field Visit

Stream Discharge Measurement
Location :
 Sangurigadhi (Section of Leuti River )
 Office of Hydrology and Metereology, Dharan, Nepal

SUBMITTED BY SUBMITTED TO
Name : Aashish Kumar Uraw Department of Civil Engineering
Year/Sem : III/I School of Engineering

Roll-02 Manmohan Technical University

Submission Date : 15th November,2024

Abstract
This study presents findings from a hydrological field visit focusing on the discharge measurement of the
Leuti River and qualitative assessments at a nearby meteorological station. The discharge of the Leuti River
was measured using the current meter method, where flow velocities were recorded across a designated
cross-section of the river. These velocities, combined with the cross-sectional area, enabled accurate
discharge calculations, offering valuable data on river flow characteristics that support regional water
resource planning and flood risk assessment. Additionally, a qualitative survey was conducted at a
meteorological station, where essential meteorological instruments, including the Stevenson screen,
recording rain gauge, and automatic weather station, were observed. These instruments' roles in temperature,
precipitation, and atmospheric pressure measurement were discussed, providing context to the ongoing
weather data collection and climate monitoring efforts. The field visit highlights the importance of integrated
hydrological and meteorological data in supporting sustainable water and environmental management
practices.

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Acknowledgement

I would like to express our sincere gratitude towards the Department of Civil Engineering , School of
Engineering, Manmohan Technical University for organizing the Hydrology field visits to Sangurigadhii,
Dhankuta, Nepal. We are thankful to our subject teacher Er. Prashant Bhatta. We put our sincere thanks to
our teacher Er. Suraj Sharma for guiding us throughout the field visit and for providing us with an
opportunity to prepare this report .

It is great pleasure for us to present a report as on "Engineering Hydrology Field Visit" which was
conducted on at Leuti River, Sangurigadhi.
I am indebted to the college administration for providing us with the facility of transportation , for
providing instrument and giving this opportunity to us.
I am thankful to the friends for their valuable suggestions for making this report better. I also extend my
thanks to all the people who helped directly or indirectly to make the field visit a success.
I am also thankful to the very helpful staff at the office of Hydrology and Meteorology in Dharan.

Thank you .

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Contents
Abstract.................................................................................................................................................1
Acknowledgement................................................................................................................................2
1. Introduction.....................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Hydrology and its scope...............................................................................................................5
1.2 Background..................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Location and Topography............................................................................................................5
1.4 Objectives....................................................................................................................................5
2. Literature Review and theory..........................................................................................................6
2.1 Stream flow Measurement..........................................................................................................6
2.2 Current meter method................................................................................................................6
3. METHODOLOGY...............................................................................................................................8
4. OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION..................................................................................................8
4.1 Current Meter Method................................................................................................................8
4.2 Meteorological Station (Demonstration) ……………………………………………………………………………….9
5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION.....................................................................................................12
Bibliography........................................................................................................................................12

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 List Of Tables

Table 1 : Data of current meter method..................................................................................................8

List Of Figures
Figure 1 : topographic map of the site......................................................................................................5
Figure 2 : Vertical-axis current meter.......................................................................................................6
Figure 3 : Horizontal axis current meter...................................................................................................7
Figure 4 : Stevenson’s screen....................................................................................................................9
Figure 5 : Automatic weather station.......................................................................................................10
Figure 6 : Data logger................................................................................................................................10
Figure 7 : Recording Rain Gauge...............................................................................................................11
Figure 8: Non-Recording Rain Gauge…..................................................................................................11

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1. Introduction
1.1Hydrology and its scope
The science of water which deals with the occurrence and movement of water on earth including that
in atmosphere and below the surface of the earth is called Hydrology. As a branch of earth science, it
is concerned with the water in stream and lake, rainfall and snowfall, snow and ice on the land and
water occurring below the earth’s surface in the pores of soil and rocks.(Dr. K.N. Dulal, 2012)
Scope of Hydrology :
1. Estimation of water resources
2. Study of proces like precipitation, evaporation, infiltration and runoff and their interaction
3. Study of problems like floods and droughts
4. Understanding the properties of water in nature
1.2 Background
The hydrology field visit to Sangurigadhi and nearby regions of Dhankuta district was organized by
the Department of Civil Engineering under School of Engineering, Manmohan Technical University in
order to acquire the knowledge about the stream flow measurement. We went to Sangurigadhi on 29th
September, 2024; which was around 70 kms away(road distance) from Manmohan technical
University.

1.3 Location and Topography

Sangurigadhi is a rural municipality in
Dhankuta district, formed by merging of Budi
Morang, Khuwaphok, Phaksib, Danda Bazar,
Bhedetar, Mahabharat and Ahale. The terrain in
and near the Leuti river makes it appropriate for
the discharge measurement by currentmeter.

The office of Hydrology and Meteorology,

Dharan is a public office under the
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology,
under the Ministry of Energy, Water
Resources and irrigation of the Government
of Nepal.

1.4 Objectives
Figure 1 : topographic map of the site
The hydrological trip was to learn the basic skills in civil engineering regarding stream flow and
various methods of its computation.
The main objectives of our field visit were: -
 Study of stream flow measurement.
 Handling of device called Current meter and its use.
 Measurement of area, velocity and discharge of the river.
 Correct selection of site for discharge measurement.
 Introduce some meteorological and hydrological instruments on the field to students

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 2. Literature Review and theory
2.1 Stream flow Measurement
Streamflow represents the runoff phase of the hydrological cycle which is the most important
basic data for hydrological studies. Precipitation, evaporation and evapotranspiration are all difficult to
measure accurately and presently adopted methods have some limitations. In contrast the measurement
of stream flow is amenable to fairly accurate assessment. A stream can be defined as a flow channel
into which the surface runoff from a specified basin drains. Generally, there is considerable exchange
of water between a stream and the underground water. Streamflow is measured in terms of discharge
(m3/s) occurring at a specified time. (K.Subramanya, 2011)
It can be broadly classified into two categories as:-
Direct Determination
 Area-Velocity Method
 Current Meter Method
 Dilution Techniques
 Electromagnetic Method and Ultrasonic Method
Indirect Determination
 Hydraulic
Structure
 Slope Area
Method
Discharge is the volume of water moving down a stream or river per unit of time, commonly expressed
in cubic meter per second or gallons per day. In general, river discharge is computed by

cross section: Discharge= Area X Velocity

multiplying the area of water in a channel cross section by the average velocity of the water in that

Most qualitative analyses of hydrological problem require basic information on the quantity of water
flowing in river and stream. Current meter gauging and area velocity method provides the most
convenient, accurate and economical means of measuring river discharge.
2.2 Current meter method
The most commonly used instrument in hydrology to measure the velocity at a point in flow cross
section is the current meter. It consists of essentially of a rotating element which rotates due to reaction
of the stream current with an angular velocity proportional to the stream velocity. (K.Subramanya,
2011)

Current meter with a rotating unit that is sensing the water velocity are either vertical-shaft or
horizontal-shaft types. The vertical-axis current meter has a rotating cup with a bearing system that is
simpler in design, more rugged and easier to service and maintain than horizontal-shaft current meter.
Because of the bearing system, the vertical axis current meter will operate at lower velocities than
horizontal-axis current meter. The bearing is well protected from silty water, the bearing adjustment is
usually less sensitive and calibration at lower velocities where friction plays an important role is more
stable. Thus, mainly two types of current meter are:
Vertical-axis current meter :
It consists of a series of conical cups mounted around a
vertical axis. The cups rotate in horizontal plane. The
revolutions of cup assembly for a certain time is recorded and
converted to stream velocity. The normal range of velocity
measured by such current meter is 0.15m/s to 4m/s. This type
of current meter cannot be used if the vertical component of
Figure 2 : Vertical-axis current meter
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the velocity is significant .

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Horizontal axis current meter
It consists of a propeller mounted at the end of horizontal
shaft. The revolutions of propeller for a certain time is
recorded and converted to stream velocity. The current meter
can measure velocity from 0.15m/s to 4m/s. This type of
current meter is fairly rugged and is not affected by oblique
flows of as much as 150.
Figure 3 : Horizontal axis current meter

Relationship between current meter rotation speed and stream velocity

relationship is 𝑉 = 𝑎 𝑁𝑠 + 𝑏
A current meter is so designed that its speed of rotation varies linearly with stream velocity (V). The

Where V= stream velocity (m/s)

Ns = revolutions per second of current meter
a, b = constants Calibration of current meter.Determination of constants a and b is known as
calibration of current meter

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 3. METHODOLOGY
The geological field study of the ascertained area was carried out in the following ways
 Selection of the site.
 Photography of field topography and river.
 Measurement of discharge by Current meter method.
 Demonstration of Meteorological instruments at the office of meteorology and hydrology

4. OBSERVATION AND CALCULATION

4.1 Current Meter Method

Distance Widt Depth Avg. No. of Time(t) Ns Velocit Are Q=A*v

y a (m3/s)
from right h (m) (m) Width rotatio (m/s)
bank (m) (m) n (Nt)
0 0 0
1 1 0.10 0.78 30 40 0.750 0.750 0.078 0.0585
1.5 0.5 0.20 0.5 35 41 0.854 0.854 0.100 0.0854
2 0.5 0.27 0.5 45 41 1.097 1.097 0.135 0.1481
2.5 0.5 0.25 0.5 60 40 1.500 1.500 0.125 0.1875
3 0.5 0.16 1.85 50 40 1.250 1.250 0.296 0.3700
6.2 3.2 0.10 1.85 15 42 0.357 0.357 0.185 0.0660
6.7 0.5 0.28 0.5 55 40 1.375 1.375 0.140 0.1925
7.2 0.5 0.40 0.5 105 41 2.561 2.561 0.200 0.5122
7.7 0.5 0.50 0.5 95 41 2.317 2.317 0.250 0.5793
8.2 0.5 0.55 0.5 85 40 2.125 2.125 0.275 0.5844
8.7 0.5 0.34 0.5 95 41 2.317 2.317 0.170 0.3939
9.2 0.5 0.20 0.5 30 41 0.732 0.732 0.100 0.0732
9.7 0.5 0.12 0.31 10 40 0.250 0.250 0.037 0.0093
10.1 0.4 -
Table 1: data of current meter method

Here, velocity = a+bN ; where a=0, b=1 are taken as coefficient

Hence the total discharge was obtained to be 3.2603 m3/s arithmetically.

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4.2 Meteorological Station (Demonstration)

Stevenson’s Screen:

Stevenson’s screen is a meteorological instrument

shelter that protects temperature and humidity
sensors from distortions due to direct sunlight or
precipitation. A general Stevenson’s screen consists of 4
thermometers; 2 vertical and two horizontal.

The vertical thermometers provide the current

temperatures. The vertical thermometers are wet and
dry bulb type. The dry type provides temperature at
current condition; while wet type provides
temperature at vapor pressure saturation. The
reading from these two thermometers help calculate
the relative humidity.

The horizontal thermometers are to read the

extremes (maximum and minimum) temperatures of
the day. The top thermometer generally measures the
maximum temperature; while the bottom
thermometer measures the minimum.

Figure 1 : Stevenson’s screen

Automatic Weather station:

An automatic weather station is an automated version of the traditional weather station, either to save
human labor or to enable measurements in remote locations. An ASW will typically consist of a
weather-proof casing along with several instruments including:

 An anemometer for measuring wind speed

 Wind vane for measuring wind direction

 Hygrometer for measuring humidity

 Barometer for measuring atmospheric pressure

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 Figure 1 : Automatic Weather Station Figure 1 : Data logger

Data logger:

In an automatic weather station, the data logger is key for collecting, storing, and sometimes processing
data from sensors measuring temperature, humidity, wind, pressure, and precipitation. It saves data at
set intervals, may transmit it to remote systems, and can perform basic processing for real-time insights.
Built to endure harsh weather, it ensures reliable, continuous monitoring.

Its primary functions are:

 Collects data from weather sensors (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind, pressure, precipitation)

 Stores collected data for later analysis

 Transmits data to remote systems in real-time (if supported)

 Processes data (e.g., averaging, smoothing) to ensure consistency

 Manages power supply to sensors, optimizing energy use

 Built for durability to withstand extreme environmental conditions

Recording (Tipping Bucket) Rain Gauge:

A tipping bucket rain gauge is an automatic device used to measure rainfall. It has a funnel that channels
rainwater into a small bucket mounted on a pivot inside the gauge. When a specific amount of water (often 0.2
mm) collects, the bucket tips, emptying the water and triggering a switch that records the tip as a measurement.
Each tip represents a set amount of rainfall, and the data logger records these tips over time to calculate total
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rainfall.

This type of gauge is widely used in automated weather stations due to its ability to continuously and accurately
record rainfall without manual intervention.

Non-Recording Rain Gauge:

A non-recording rain gauge is a simple device used to measure rainfall manually. It consists of a funnel that
directs rainwater into a graduated measuring cylinder or container. After a rainfall event, the collected water is
measured directly from the container to determine the rainfall amount.

One common type is the Symons rain gauge, which has a cylindrical metal body and requires manual emptying
and recording of rainfall data at regular intervals. Non-recording gauges are easy to use but require someone to
manually measure and record the rainfall.

Figure 1 : Recording Rain Gauge Figure 1 : Non-recording Rain Gauge

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5. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The hydrological field study provided valuable insights into the water flow and meteorological setup in the
observed area. Using the area-velocity method with a current meter, we accurately measured the river
discharge, recording a net discharge of 3.2603 m³/s for the section studied. This measurement is critical for
understanding the flow dynamics and water availability in the region.
During our visit to the Hydrological and Meteorological Station in Dharan, we observed essential
equipment, including recording and non-recording rain gauges, Stevenson’s screen, and an automatic
weather station. These instruments collectively support comprehensive data collection on precipitation,
temperature, and other atmospheric conditions, which are vital for accurate weather forecasting, flood
prediction, and water resource management. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of reliable
hydrological data collection methods and instrumentation in managing water resources effectively.

Bibliography
(n.d.). Retrieved from www.googleearth.com
Doppmann Juerg Merz and Gregor. (2006). Measuring Mountain Stream Discharge. ICIMOD.
Dr. K.N. Dulal, E. S. (2012). Engineering Hydrology. Nepal: Apex Educational Academy.
K.Subramanya. (2011). Engineering Hydrology (Vol. Third Edition.). New Delhi: Tata McGraw Hill
Ducation P.Limited.
https://www.dhm.gov.np/regional-office/

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