Application of the entropy model to estimate flow discharge and bed load transport in a large river.

This article focuses on applying the Entropy model to estimate velocity distribution, discharge, shear velocity, and bed load transport rate in large rivers, specifically using acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) data from the Óbidos Station on the Amazon River. The study tested two scenarios: using all surface velocities and using a single maximum surface velocity with parabolic and elliptic assumptions for velocity distribution. Results showed that the Entropy model accurately estimated mean cross-sectional velocity and discharge with error percentages of 2.08% (all surface velocities), 4.08% (parabolic), and 12.5% (elliptic). Shear velocity and Shields mobility parameters were calculated, and dimensionless bed load transport rates were derived for various particle sizes, aligning well with existing experimental data. Overall, the research demonstrates the Entropy model's potential as a non-contact method for estimating river discharge and sediment transport in large rivers using only surface velocity measurements.