Date of Award

2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biological and Environmental Sciences (MSBES)

Department

Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Brian Savage

Abstract

This study examines how affordable seismic sensors can be used to monitor river discharge by analyzing the seismic signals generated by flowing water. Traditional discharge monitoring methods are often expensive and require continuous maintenance, and many streamflow gauging stations in Rhode Island and across the United States have been discontinued due to funding and operational limitations, creating gaps in hydrologic data.

Seismic data were collected along the Beaver River, Rhode Island, using a three-component seismic sensor and analyzed in the frequency domain. The seismic observations were compared with United States Geological Survey (USGS) gage height records to assess their response to variations in river stage. The results show that river-generated seismic energy is consistently observed within a frequency range of approximately 0.3-2 Hz, consistent with previous studies. While this frequency range remains stable, signal amplitude increases with higher flow conditions and decreases during low-flow periods. However, the relationship between seismic amplitude and river stage is affected by environmental factors such as traffic noise, wind, and sensor distance from the river influence the recorded signal and can mask flow-related patterns. Under stable environmental conditions, seismic amplitude shows a clearer relationship with river stage. This finding indicates that low-cost seismic sensors can detect relative changes in river discharge and provide a cost-effective and accessible approach for hydrologic monitoring. With careful site selection and mitigation of environmental noise, this method can work as an alternative to traditional monitoring systems and support sustainable water resource management.

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Available for download on Monday, June 05, 2028

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