YSI Videos | ysi.com

What a Glacial River Reveals About the Greenland Ice Sheet

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 13:02:25 GMT

Five years after a NASA-funded field study returned to to set up camp once again in the melt zone of the Greenland Ice Sheet, a new study adds to the rich findings from this innovative project. We look back on this bold undertaking, which featured helicopters, floating drifters plunging into holes in the ice, and all-night shifts operating a sonic boogie board under endless daylight. Scientist Larry Smith, at the time with UCLA and now with Brown University, takes us back to the challenges on the ice and the important findings made with the hard-won data.

Download the SonTek-M9 case study: https://www.ysi.com/File%20Library/Documents/Case%20Study/streamflow-data-improve-greenland-ice-melt-models.pdf
At the fringes of the Greenland Ice Sheet, where glaciers are constantly melting, water rushes everywhere through an intricate system of lakes and streams that branch out like slip and slide shoots of super chilled, bright turquoise water. Some of that water eventually cascades straight into the surrounding land and ocean through channels and cracks. Some of it thunders off into sinkhole-like structures on the ice called moulins. Rumbling 24 hours a day, these holes swallow water from the surface and funnel it to the bedrock at the base of the ice.
Credits: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/Scientific Visualization Studio; Additional field footage, photos and research courtesy UCLA, Brown University, Dr. Laurence C. Smith, Brandon Overstreet, Lincoln Pitcher, Matt Cooper and Johnny Ryan.

Full story and additional credits: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/nisar/what-a-glacial-river-reveals-about-the-greenland-ice-sheet/

SonTek Webinar | Top Six Questions by SonTek ADCP Customers

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:31:39 GMT

If you've ever had a question regarding ADCPs this webinar probably has the answer! Watch our panel of experts answer questions directly from customers like you.

We cover:
Why is accurate transducer depth critical?
When and why to do a compass calibration?
Is QRev required for post-processing?
Why choose moving boat vs stationary method?
Why choose one track reference over another?
Why use vertical beam vs bottom track depth?

And more!

Xylem Analytics Roadshow Re-cap - Perth, Australia

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Well done and a hearty congratulations is extended to our colleagues in the Southern Hemisphere, as they recently conducted a live customer demo and training event in Perth, Australia, showcasing a cross-section of both water quality and discharge data collection instrumentation.

Questions regarding featured instruments? Email: inquiry@sontek.com

Instrument Displays and Demos Featured:

Discharge Measurement: Water Level Monitoring (Amazon Bubbler), Discharge/Flow (SonTek FlowTracker2®, RS5 ADCP and M9 ADCP), Unattended real-time Discharge/Flow (SonTek IQ/SL acoustic flow meters).

Water Quality Monitoring: Handheld Water Quality Systems (WQS), Realtime WQ monitoring buoy (DB600), Surface WQ Mapping (rQPOD).

Surveying: Lidar (Hypack Lidar Payload), Bathymetry (SonTek HydroSurveyor), and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (rQPOD)

Mining and Municipal Water Management: Water quality sampling station (Automatic Sampler), Flow/discharge monitoring (SonTek IQ/SonTek SL acoustic flow meters), Level sensing (MJK), Solar Telemetry (Ai1 Pole).

SonTek Webinar | From Extreme Floods to Devastating Droughts: River Discharge...

Fri, 27 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

As the world reels from increasing climate extremes, this one-hour online event will look at examples of discharge data collected by SonTek ADCPs in extreme conditions worldwide. From recent flood events in Australia and the United Kingdom to record-breaking drought conditions in the Southwest United States, we will review unique applications and discharge data from sites experiencing record-breaking floods to a desert wash amid an extreme drought. Join Environmental Solutions Flow Segment/SonTek Manager Isaac Jones, and Senior Application Engineer Dr. Xue Fan as they:

• Share application stories and real-world data collected by leading environmental water monitoring agencies.
• Discuss the challenges faced by monitoring professionals as the intensity of weather events increases.
• Provide information on choosing your moving boat track reference for the best data – bottom track versus GNSS options.
.• And more!

This presentation is for beginners to advanced level environmental monitoring professionals interested in various methods of flow and discharge data collection with acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) technology, along with those interested in multi-frequency ADCPs that are ideal when river and stream landscapes change during flood events and convenient and portable options for when you need to move fast (and safely!).

Download the Presentation: https://info.xylem.com/extreme-floods-droughts-data.html
Download the questions asked during the LIVE event: https://info.xylem.com/extreme-floods-droughts-qa.html

SonTek HydroSurveyor M9 at Dawes Glacier in Alaska

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:08:37 GMT

Video courtesy of filmaker, Sean Casey, who will feature SonTek's HydroSurveyor M9 and CastAway-CTD as part of an upcoming IMAX movie series featuring extreme weather/environmental impact events.

Visit SonTek: http://www.sontek.com

Casey is the inventor of the Tornado Intercept Vehicle and was featured on the Discovery Channel reality television series Storm Chasers.

The video also features Sea Floor Systems Hydrone (remote operated boat).

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 1 | Introduction to the FlowTracker2

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:07:48 GMT

During this instructional video, SonTek Product Manager Janice Landsfeld will go step-by-step through the measurement process and show you all the basics of how to set up the FlowTracker2 handheld ADV, how to conduct a measurement, and how to understand the data and quality control parameters you'll be able to view--right on the instrument's color screen. Whether you are taking a simple check measurement, or going farther to do velocity indexing and build a whole rating curve at the site, this is the discharge measurement procedure you'll follow. You will find the operation intuitive and easy to follow, whether you're already familiar with wading measurements or not.

Ventura County | A Day in the Life of a Hydrologist

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:06:58 GMT

California has endured a prolonged and serious drought, and with recent downpours unlike the region has seen in years, Hydrologists respond with the use of instrumentation that can help collect velocity and discharge data, and assist with flood modelling for future events.

This video graciously shared by our friends at the Ventura (California) Watershed Management District, and Ronald Marotto, Supervising Hydrographer (and Hydrologist featured in this video). Ron is also President of the ALERT Users Group. And video production credits - Gabriel Ramirez!

More about the RiverSurveyor-M9: http://www.sontek.com/productsdetail.php?RiverSurveyor-S5-M9-14
More about the FlowTracker2: http://www.sontek.com/productsdetail.php?FlowTracker2-Handheld-ADV-1

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 5 | Taking Single-Point Measurements

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:04:26 GMT

Now that you're familiar with how to navigate the menu and conduct the pre-measurement system and beam checks, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, walks you through the proper methods on how to take your first single point measurement. See graphics and illustrations on data collection best practices to help you better understand the process. Finally, learn how automated QA/QC checks ensure you identify potential problems before your data is impacted.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 9 | In-Office Beam Check (The Bucket Test)

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:03:43 GMT

Before you head out to the field with your shiny new FlowTracker2 in tow, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, provides you some helpful suggestions on basic FlowTracker2 "office checks" you might consider conducting in advance that can help you collect higher quality measurements, and spend less time and energy troubleshooting in the field.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 3 | Navigation and Menu Configuration

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:03:02 GMT

Before you begin your first measurement, it is important to know how to use the features available on the handheld unit. In this video, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, helps familiarize you with the set-up fields and reviews each one-by-one so that you can change those relevant to you and your site. In many cases, once you do the first setup, you will not have to revisit them again. Learn about how to set up templates, both on the instrument itself as well as on your computer using our desktop software.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 7 | Ending a Measurement

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:02:06 GMT

When you're done collecting station data and you've arrived at the opposite bank, it's time to end the measurement. SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, demonstrates what to do when you hit the waters edge and what to expect as you are prompted to do a final data review before accepting and saving a measurement. While it's good practice to review all data carefully before accepting a measurement, it's also good to know that editing data is possible, both on the handheld as well as back at the office.

Tips to Upgrade Your Irrigation Flow Monitoring Technology

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 09:01:11 GMT

Take the guesswork out of outfitting your canal with water flow monitoring instrumentation and avoid data inaccuracies, lost water, over/under irrigation or compromised crop yield.

SonTek's Dylan Bedortha reviews some of the options available - whether you are looking to replace outdated equipment, or simply re-vamp your current irrigation data collection process.

Questions? Contact us at inquiry@sontek.com - we are always here to help!

https://www.sontek.com/sontek-iq-series
https://www.sontek.com/sontek-sl-series

Introduction to GPS Positioning for RiverSurveyor Stationary Live Measurements

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:56:28 GMT

The RiverSurveyor-M9 can be used for both the Moving Boat or Stationary discharge measurements. The stationary measurement method applies the velocity area method using either the Mid-Section or Mean-Section methods for discharge calculations. The measurement of the water depth and velocity profile at individual stations has greatly improved since the introduction of Acoustic Doppler Instruments. SonTek has gone one step further by implementing GPS in RiverSurveyor Stationary Live software to determine the station locations from GPS positioning. This method improves the measurements process, efficiency and accuracy from the traditional measuring tape or tagline methods.

Ask us a question! Inquiry@sontek.com

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 2 | Wading Rod and Instrument Setup

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:51:44 GMT

SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, reviews the various components included with your FlowTracker2 kit and walks you through wading rod set-up and proper use of the top-setting wading rod.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 4 | Beam Checks

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:49:46 GMT

Be prepared and save time - know what to look for before you start your measurement process. SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, shows you how to conduct a beam check to verify signal strength and peak position.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 6 | Taking Multi-Point Measurements

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:48:27 GMT

Data collection process continued - SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, now walks you through the process of taking multi-point measurements, providing you a solid understanding of the work flow, and how the FlowTracker2 screen methodically walks you through each step, and prompts you with messages and QC parameters if necessary.

FlowTracker2 Training Chapter 8 | Data Review

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:47:37 GMT

You have collected your data in the field and now it's time to take a closer look and evaluate what you accumulated. In this in-depth, 20 minute segment, SonTek Product Manager, Janice Landsfeld, shows you how to download data from your instrument and analyze data in FlowTracker2 desktop software.

SonTek-SL Mounting Frame Assembly

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:46:53 GMT

Demonstrated here by SonTek's Dylan Bedortha, the SonTek-SL basic kit includes a 1.2m (4ft) length mounting frame section, slide assembly with adjustable angle mounting plate, and handle bar.

Easy-access side mounting reduces concerns over personnel safety, lowers operational cost by avoiding divers and boats, avoids interruption in facility operations, and avoids interruption in data and water delivery to clients and stakeholders.

Additional mounting frame sections also available for purchase.

HydroSurveyor-M9 and HYPACK Training | Australia

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:44:19 GMT

Hydrographers from Australia and New Zealand participate in a training to learn more about how to use HYPACK for hydrographic surveying in tandem with SonTek's HydroSurveyor-M9 and rQPOD.

ASK us a QUESTION!: Inquiry@sontek.com

The rQPOD Modular Remote Survey Boat is a lightweight, portable solution for conducting and recording water surveys. The rQPOD is ready to go wherever you need it.

The rQPOD system is sold as a complete kit from SonTek, and includes a Torrent Board V7 floating platform, patent-pending motorized system. Combine this light weight convertible platform with a RiverSurveyor-M9 or S5 to measure flow or a HydroSurveyor-M9 and measure bathymetry.

Learn more:
https://www.sontek.com/rqpod
https://www.sontek.com/hydrosurveyor
https://www.sontek.com/riversurveyor-s5-m9

Day in the Life of a Hydrographer, with Kevin Labbe

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 08:26:22 GMT

Take a look at a day in the life of Application Engineer, Kevin Labbe as he helps researchers from the University of Georgia learn how to best use the SonTek RS5 ADCP, YSI's EXO2 mulitparameter water quality sonde, and other instrumentation in the estuaries of Little St. Simons, Georgia.

Previously working for the USGS and now Xylem Environmental Solutions, Kevin has over 25 years of experience in water quality and flow data collection technology. Kevin helps customers learn how to best use sophisticated scientific instrumentation, whether it’s in the hot, muggy, mosquito-infested estuaries off Little St. Simons, Georgia, or in below-zero environments where unforgiving, icy conditions still require data.

Specialists working in the water industry are essential to providing clean and affordable water, making those who work in the industry crucial, especially in times of crisis. Hydrographers, Hydrologists, Research Scientists (and more) work to better understand water properties and distribution are paramount to making sure this resource is sustainable well into the future.

Looking for a career in water? Visit Xylem Careers: https://www.xylem.com/en-us/careers/

SonTek Webinar | Introducing the RS5 - BIG data from the world's smallest ADCP!

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:44:48 GMT

Learn more about SonTek's new RS5 ADCP - the handy grab-and-go solution for water monitoring professionals who are looking for quality, high-resolution discharge and flow data, with the convenience of a small, rugged and easy to deploy package.

Xylem Analytics Flow Segment Manager, Isaac Jones, and Senior Application Engineer, Dr. Xue Fan, outline the instrument's technical capabilities and show you data comparisons with other market ADCPs collected during the beta testing process by hydrologic monitoring leaders such as the USGS, the UK Environment Agency, and other government agencies. Specifically, you will learn:

What is included with the one piece system
How the power of SmartPulse+, Broadband and Pulse Coherent technology work together for the most reliable bottom tracking and velocity profiling available
GNSS flexibility available through SonTek or independently
Software upgrades and compatibility with external programs such as QREV (USGS)
Velocity indexing flexibility for other SonTek instrumentation
AND MORE!!

GET A QUOTE: https://www.sontek.com/contact-sontek
VISIT THE RS5 WEBPAGE: https://www.sontek.com/RS5

SonTek Webinar | Principles of Extrapolation and Screening of Velocity Profiles

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:42:42 GMT

This webinar, hosted by Senior Hydrologist Daniel Wagenaar, covers Velocity Profile Principles, Extrapolation of Velocity Profiles, Implementation of Screening Distance and more.

The extrapolation and screening of velocity profile measurements from Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler instruments are essential aspects of the measurement process. It is important to understand the fundamental principles of velocity profiles within a channel and the reason why the extrapolation process can have substantial impact on the final discharge calculation.

Key points include:

Velocity Profile Principles
Extrapolation of Velocity Profiles
Implementation of Screening Distance
RSL (SonTek): RiverSurveyor Live Software (SonTek)
QRev (USGS): Software for Computation and Quality Assurance of Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler Moving-Boat Streamflow Measurements

For more information on this presentation, or for general questions, feel free to send us a message at inquiry@sontek.com or call +1.858.546.8327.

SonTek Webinar | Quantifying Flooding Events with Acoustic Data

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:42:06 GMT

Investment in flood and coastal risk management delivers many benefits. With the year 2018 seeming to culminate a trend of increasing extreme weather events and their intensity, water resource professionals are being called to question and respond appropriately in service to their constituents, both public and private, governmental and industrial. To this end, what insights do acoustic data, data analysis techniques and visualization bring us? How can we use these tools to better understand, manage, and model flooding events and their associated impacts?

Join us as we answer these questions and take a closer look at discharge data collected by U.S. national monitoring agencies such as the USGS during recent extreme weather events. Example applications will include data from hurricane Irma that packed 185 MPH and took with it 134 lives, and category 4 hurricane Harvey that made landfall in Texas and caused an estimated $125 Billion dollars in damage.

We will also take a look at record-breaking discharge data collected by the United Kingdom’s Environment Agency during massive flooding of the River Tyne in Bywell, Northumberland after Storm Desmond, documented as the worst flood in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since 1771.

The webinar will focus on:

Adapting to unpredictability: How to use hydrologic theory (like hysteresis) and acoustic measurements together to build stronger early warning systems
Sizing up floods: How acoustic Doppler technology can improve monitoring during flooding events
Optimizing the tools available: Different data processing techniques (like Velocity Indexing) to better quantify discharge during peak flows
Real solutions: How acoustic measurements are used for flood modeling and forecasting

Product Manager Janice Landsfeld and Applications Engineer Dr. Xue Fan (xue.fan@xyleminc.com) are our presenters for this event. We welcome advance questions and will even accept data for sharing with your water monitoring peers!

Ask us a question! inquiry@sontek.com
https://www.sontek.com/riversurveyor-s5-m9

SonTek Webinar | From Coastal Shorelines to the Deep Blue: Collecting...

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:38:20 GMT

Science shows changes are occurring in our oceans – and they are happening quickly and on a global scale. What we know:

The ocean is getting warmer, affecting sea level, currents and weather
Sea level is rising at a rate of six-tenths of an inch per decade since 1880 (source, US EPA)
Coastal flooding is accelerating at record levels
Storm surge is increasing as storms become more intense

With change comes the on-going need for defensible data that researchers, scientists and water management professionals can rely on for informed decision-making.

Join us as we gather some of the premier minds of technology development in one “virtual” room to talk about case studies and share updates on the instrumentation being used to measure water level, tides and waves by agencies such as NOAA, USGS, and UK’s Environment Agency, all of whom have relied on this information for years to provide the ocean monitoring/research community actionable data for long-term planning, and in many cases today, emergency response. Our international team of presenters includes:

Isaac Jones – Product Manager/Application Engineer, SonTek (San Diego, California)
Anders Tengberg – Product Manager/Scientific Advisor, Aanderaa (Bergen, Norway)
Trent Demuzio – Application Engineer, YSI (Yellow Springs, Ohio)

Expect to learn industry “Best Practices” and more about the latest technology used to measure water level, waves, and velocity. As part of the Xylem family, Aanderaa, SonTek and YSI offer access to years of expertise and we are happy to answer questions relating to your unique data collection requirements.

SonTek Webinar | The Pressure is ON! The FlowTracker2 Now Comes with Built in...

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:24:52 GMT

With advances in technology and general application know-how contributed by world-renowned hydrologists, researchers and scientists, SonTek is pleased to unveil the new FlowTracker2 now with optional pressure sensor feature! Here is how the FT2 with pressure sensor can optimize your data collection efforts:

1) More accurate and precise measure of depth.

2) More accurate and precise positioning of sensor at proper depth for measurement.

3) Ability to measure in places where sight-reading of depth on a rod is inconvenient or impossible. Get spot-on depth measurements from bridges, walkways, manholes, or other structures.

4) Elimination of chance of human error when depth is manually read on the rod (source of error) and then keyed-in (another source of error). Ensure high quality data in spite of distracting conditions, cold weather, or personnel in training.

5) Ability to review and QA/QC depth time series data back at the office. Ensure manager visibility over field procedures and more rigorous data review options.

6) SonTek’s innovative patent-pending method of properly compensating pressure readings under different flow conditions. Ensures a real, useable, high-quality solution in the field, across different flow conditions.

Learn more about the FlowTracker2 here: https://www.sontek.com/flowtracker2
Or, ask one of our Application Specialists a question at inquiry@sontek.com