Piecewise SALT sampling for estimating suspended sediment yields

Robert B. Thomas

doi:10.2737/PSW-GTR-114

Treesearch

Piecewise SALT sampling for estimating suspended sediment yields

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Robert B. Thomas

Year:

1989

Type:

General Technical Report

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PSW-GTR-114

Source:

Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-114. Berkeley, Calif.: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 11 p

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Abstract

A probability sampling method called SALT (Selection At List Time) has been developed for collecting and summarizing data on delivery of suspended sediment in rivers. It is based on sampling and estimating yield using a suspended-sediment rating curve for high discharges and simple random sampling for low flows. The method gives unbiased estimates of total yield and variance. The technique has been modified by replacing the rating curve with a user-specified average sampling rate function. This function allows easier specification of field sampling parameters for specified conditions and helps avoid the extremes of data collection. It also improves the distribution of samples if the intent is to estimate suspended sediment yield during storms specified after data collection. This form of SALT sampling is called Piecewise SALT sampling.

Keywords

suspended sediment, sampling, probability sampling, measurement, SALT sampling

Citation

Thomas, Robert B. 1989. Piecewise SALT sampling for estimating suspended sediment yields. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-114. Berkeley, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 11 p.