Cross-sectional Measurement

At each of the meter locations, the WKPP divers take five transect measurements of the conduit. The measurements are then used to estimate the cross-sectional area of the conduits, which are, in turn, used to calculate flow from the velocity measurements recorded continuously by the meters.

The measurements are taken from approximately the top of the meter stand (~ 3ft above the cave floor) at 45 degree increments using a hand-held sonar range finder. 

When possible, the meters are positioned close to the center of the conduit. However, bottom conditions and possible problems with entanglement have forced the divers to move some of the meters slightly to one side or the other. 

Example cross-sectional measurements performed by the WKPP divers at the meter locations in Wakulla Cave.