What is a Price current meter used for in hydrography?

A Price current meter is specifically designed to measure the velocity of water currents in a river, stream, or other bodies of water. It functions by being suspended in the water column, where it can detect and record the flow of the current. This capability is essential in hydrography for understanding sediment transport, assessing hydrodynamic conditions, and evaluating aquatic environments. The device typically consists of rotating cups or blades that turn as water flows around them, allowing for a direct measurement of current speed.

The other options represent tasks that are not aligned with the primary function of a Price current meter. Measuring the temperature of water, recording rainfall amounts, and gauging the depth of a water body are accomplished using different specialized instruments, such as thermometer probes, rain gauges, or depth sounders, respectively. Each of these tools serves distinct purposes in environmental monitoring, but the Price current meter is uniquely suited for assessing water motion.