This thesis consists of an experimental study of the velocity distribution in tranquil, stable tumbling and rapid flow regimes in a steep rectangular channel with artificial roughness elements. Four shapes of roughness elements, rectangular, parallelogram, triangular, and semi-circular, were used. Effects on velocity distribution due to variations in discharge, flume slope and roughness geometry were studied for each shape of roughness element. The applicability of logarithmic law was examined and the inflection points in tranquil and rapid flow regime were studied. Also the velocity coefficients in tumbling regime were studied. The findings were confirmed through the analysis of data taken from project 405 of the Civil Engineering Department. A review of literature on this subject and a bibliography are included. / Master of Science