Abstract: The velocity data of natural turbulence flow in rivers and lakes is significant to water environment and ecology research. We carried out research on the vertical velocity distribution test using ADCP (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) on ship-borne floating platform. According to field measurement data under different flow conditions, we analysed the reliability of ADCP data received on ship-borne floating platform, and compared the vertical velocity distribution data under pulse coherent measurement mode and pulse incoherent measurement mode. The result indicates that vertical velocity distribution measurement using ADCP on ship-borne floating platform is feasible. In shallow water, the pulse coherent mode is recommended because it can notably improve measurement accuracy and resolution.

Key words: ADCP, flow velocity, vertical distribution, coherent, incoherent