Evaluating Chirp Technology for Measuring Reservoir Sedimentation Thickness and Stratigraphy

Project ID: 20067
Principal Investigator: Daniel Dombroski
Research Topic: Sediment Management and River Restoration
Funded Fiscal Years: 2020
Keywords: None

Research Question

This study will evaluate the feasibility of using a new technology for characterizing the type and distribution of sediments deposited in reservoirs. Chirp sonar transmits high-powered acoustic pulses over a broad range of frequencies, making portable units capable of penetrating several meters into sediments for remote characterization of deposits. This project will further evaluate the capabilities and limitations of the technology in a reservoir setting to understand under what reservoir and sediment conditions is chirp technology appropriate for studying the depositional profile.

Need and Benefit

Reclamation has a severe reservoir sedimentation problem. Plans to manage the sedimentation problem cannot be fully established until we have knowledge of the volume and distribution of sediments in reservoir deposits. Chirp sonar promises to be an effective way to gain this knowledge a priori.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Evaluating Chirp Technology for Measuring Reservoir Sedimentation Thickness and Stratigraphy (final, PDF, 1.6MB)
By Heidi M. Wadman, Jesse McNinch, Paul Boyd, Daniel Dombroski, Kent Collins
Report completed on September 30, 2021

This research product summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

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Last Updated: 6/22/20