Thus, they measure vertical current profiles. ADCP measurements are becoming more frequent for deep flow in reservoirs, oceans, and large rivers. Most of the meters in this class are multidimensional or can simultaneously measure more than a single directional component of velocity at a time. This meter uses the strobe effect. Mirrors are mounted around a polygon drum that can be rotated at precisely controlled speeds.
Light coming from the water surface is reflected by the mirrors into a lens system and an eyepiece.
The rate of rotation of the mirror drum is varied while viewing the reflected images in the eyepiece. At the proper rotational speed, images become steady and appear as if the surface of the water is still. By reading the rate of rotation of the drum and knowing the distance from the mirrors to the water surface, the velocity of the surface can be determined. The discharge rate of the stream may be estimated by applying the proper coefficient to this surface velocity and multiplying by the cross-sectional area of the flow section. The meter has several advantages.