Application of the Entropy Model to Estimate Flow Discharge and Bed Load Transport with Limited Field Measurements

Sediment transport can be observed within the flow of water in rivers, canals, and coastal regions, encompassing both suspended-load transport and bed-load transport. Bed-load transport specifically occurs near the riverbed, playing a crucial role in the formation of the riverbed itself. The current study aimed to explore the process of sediment transport by employing the entropy concept as a theoretical approach. To this end, field data collected using a current meter in the Alaknanda River at Srinagar in India were utilized. A comparison was made between the calculated mean velocity and discharge values and the observed data obtained from the Central Water Commission (CWC), demonstrating a maximum error percentage of 9%. Subsequently, shear velocity was determined for various cross-sections under different flow scenarios. The Shields parameter was then derived from the shear-velocity distribution to evaluate the transport potential of the sediment particles. The model results showed varying bed-load transport rates that increased as the particle size decreased and the discharge rate increased. In conclusion, the study findings highlight the efficacy of utilizing the entropy theory for estimating flow discharge and sediment transport in developing countries.