Surface Flow Sampler for Riparian Studies

A low-impact surface flow sampler was developed for riparian studies conducted in the Coastal Plain region of the southeastern United States. The device consists of two primary components, a splitter and a collector, which were used for unattended sampling of surface flow in riparian buffer study areas. This low-cost device provides a composite event sample at selected locations within experimental areas. The quantity of sample is adequate for laboratory analyses of dissolved and suspended constituents for both large and small flow events, and permits estimation of the volume of surface flow at the sampling location. Installation and operation of the device requires little disturbance to the riparian buffer ground surface and vegetation, or to surface flow within experimental areas.