In this paper, a proof of concept experiment is conducted to assess thefeasibility of tracing overland flow on an experimental hillslope plot via anovel fluorescent particle tracer. Experiments are performed by using beadsof diameters ranging from 75 to 1180 μm. Particles aresensed through an experimental apparatus comprising a light source and avideo acquisition unit. Runoff on the experimental plot is artificiallysimulated by using a custom-built rainfall system. Particle transits aredetected through supervised methodologies requiring the presence of operatorsand unsupervised procedures based on image analysis techniques. Average flowvelocity estimations are executed based on travel time measurements of theparticles as they are dragged by the overland flow on the hillslope.Velocities are compared to flow measurements obtained using rhodamine dye.Experimental findings demonstrate the potential of the methodology forunderstanding overland flow dynamics in complex natural settings. Inaddition, insights on the optimization of particle size are presented basedon the visibility of the beads and their accuracy in flow tracing.
展开▼
