Systematic sampling for suspended sediment

Abstract

Abstract - Because of high costs or complex logistics, scientific populations cannot be measured entirely and must be sampled. Accepted scientific practice holds that sample selection be based on statistical principles to assure objectivity when estimating totals and variances. Probability sampling--obtaining samples with known probabilities--is the only method that assures these results. However, probability sampling is seldom combined with appropriate estimators to determine suspended sediment loads. Many current load-estimating methods, therefore, have unknown bias and variation making the estimates questionable. Suspended sediment loads are often estimated by sampling concentration at fixed intervals. This type of sampling is promoted by the widespread use of pumping samplers which can be set to sample at regular intervals. Sampling intensity is sometimes increased during periods of high water discharge

Citation

Thomas, Robert B. 1991. Systematic sampling for suspended sediment. In: Fan, Shou-Shan and Yung-Huang Kuo, eds., Fifth Federal Interagency Sedimentation Conference Proceedings, 18-21 March 1991, Las Vegas, Nevada. p. 2-17 to 2-24.