Hi Helen, In studying stream bed temperature dynamics in groundwater-surface water interaction studies, we've successfully measured stream bed temperatures using Thermochron iButtons (distributed by Dallas Semiconductor) secured in wooden dowels that were driven into the stream bed to the desired depth:
http://www.maxim-ic.com/products/ibutton/ibuttons/thermochron.cfm They are inexpensive and waterproof. You program them remotely, and we've successfully measured at 10-min intervals for 4-5 days and every 1.5 hours for several months to observe seasonal variability. If you want to anchor them in the active channel, you can drill a hole in a wooden dowel and sink the dowel into the bed, with the iButton sitting above the streambed surface. A little difficult to install in gravel and cobble beds, but definitely an option to look into! We've had great results (even when we dented the iButtons during installation). Feel free to email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] if you'd like more information. Cheers, Rosemary Quoting Helen Neville <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Hello, > > I'm wondering if anyone has successfully put thermographs in stream beds to > record stream temperatures throughout the year, and if so what method of > securing them you used. > > We have been securing small Tidbit readers by bolting them in to short > pieces of metal pipe and securing those with steel cable either to trees or > large boulders up on the stream bank. This method is semi-successful, but > occasionally when streams blow-out we loose the readers. I think my > predecessors have tried various iterations of staking them with rebar in > the stream bed, but that didn't work so well and the cable set up seems to > be better. > > Perhaps it's just the way it goes to loose some every year, but any > suggestions would be much appreciated!! Thanks, Helen > > Helen Neville, Ph.D. > Research Scientist > Trout Unlimited > 1020 Main St., Suite 440 > Boise, ID 83702 > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Phone: 208-938-1110 x13 > Fax: 208-344-0768 > Cell: 775-813-0269 > ------------------------------------------------- Rosemary M. Fanelli Visiting Specialist Institute of Water Research Michigan State University 101 Manly Miles Building 1405 S. Harrison Rd. East Lansing, MI 48823 Office:(517)432-4555 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web: www.iwr.msu.edu "We travel together, passengers on a little spaceship, dependent on its vulnerable reserves of air and soil; all committed for our safety to its security and peace; preserved from annihilation only by the care, the work and, I will say, the love we give our fragile craft." -Adlai E. Stevenson
