Onset HOBO Equipment used in Natural Flood Management Research

Researchers from Lancaster University are tackling one of the most pressing problems to face water science in a generation

After the devastation of the 2007 floods, the UK Government's "Pitt review" triggered initiatives designed to introduce “green”, or natural, flood mitigation (NFM) measures upstream of the affected communities, rather than relying solely on downstream engineering solutions.

A team of Lancaster University scientists led by Dr Nick Chappell of the Lancaster Environment Centre is leading one of three major NERC-funded projects to quantify the likely magnitude of nature-based flood mitigation effects across large catchments (Q-NFM), by undertaking large scale computer modelling, supported by fieldwork and stakeholder engagement.

The team are investigating natural flood mitigation measures across several thousands of square kilometres in Cumbria, much of which suffered devastating flooding during Storm Desmond in December 2015.

The equipment chosen for the project to measure, log and transmit rainfall-streamflow data at 10-minute intervals is the Onset HOBO RX3000 remote data logging station, fitted with 3G cellular communication, a rain gauge and a water level sensor calibrated to streamflow.

A Woodland Trust project partner with one of the Onset HOBO RX3000s at a natural flood management research site.

A Woodland Trust project partner with one of the RX3000 hydrological telemetry systems at a Q-NFM micro-basin flume.

“Communications protocols, setup and maintenance of hydrological telemetry systems are normally complex, time consuming and expensive. HOBO RX3000-based telemetry systems for hydrology, by contrast, are very easy to set-up and maintain, while being very cost-effective. The UK distributor Tempcon Instrumentation Ltd provide a very professional and friendly delivery of ‘turn-key’ systems based on the RX3000 as well as the critical technical support for bespoke applications” – Dr Nick Chappell, Lancaster University.

Project Video: Installing monitoring equipment to quantify headwater flood responses associated with tree planting

(Click & scroll to bottom of the page to view the short video)

Find out more about the project: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/sites/qnfm/

Project Twitter account: https://twitter.com/nerc_qnfm

Dr Nick Chappell: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/about-us/people/nick-chappell

HOBO RX3000 for Natural Flood Mitigation Research

The HOBO RX3000 is Onset’s next-generation remote data logging station that provides instant access to site-specific environmental data anywhere, anytime via the internet. The station combines the flexibility and quality of more expensive systems, an onboard LCD display, and the convenience of plug-and-play operation. Works on 4G/3G/2G cellular. >> Find out more

Article originally published 30 January 2018; updated 15 June 2023.