Assignment Task:
To investigate how increased flow rate, simulating storm water, affects patterns of erosion and deposition in a stream.
Materials:
- Stream table with adjustable incline
- Water pump with adjustable flow rate
- Sand
- Tubing
- Bucket
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Stopwatch
- Camera/phone for documentation
- Markers or flags for marking specific areas
Steps:
Setup:
- Prepare the Stream Table: Fill the stream table with a consistent layer of sand. Ensure the sand is evenly distributed.
- Adjust the Incline: Set the initial incline of your stream table to a gentle slope to simulate a natural streambed. Measure and note the angle.
Initial Flow Simulation:
- Base Flow Rate: Begin with a low flow rate to simulate normal water flow. Use the pump to regulate water flow into the stream table.
- Observation Period: Let the water run for a set time (e.g., 5 minutes) and record any initial patterns of erosion or deposition with the camera.
- Mark Initial Patterns: Use markers or flags to outline the areas of erosion and deposition.
Increased Flow Simulation:
- Increase Flow Rate: Adjust the pump to increase the water flow rate, simulating stormwater conditions.
- Observation Period: Allow the increased flow to continue for the same duration as the initial test (e.g., 5 minutes).
- Documentation: Take photographs or video recordings at regular intervals to document changes.
Data Collection:
- Measuring Changes: After each flow phase, use a ruler to measure changes in the depth of sand at various points along the stream.
- Comparison Analysis: Compare the changes in sand depth and pattern between the base flow and increased flow conditions.
Repeat for Reliability:
- Repeat the Experiment: Conduct multiple trials at both flow rates to ensure consistent results.
Analysis:
- Evaluate Patterns: Assess the marked areas to analyze how the increased flow affected erosion and deposition patterns.
- Visual and Quantitative Analysis: Use the photos and measurements to provide quantitative and qualitative evidence of changes.
Data and Observations:
- Depth Measurements: Measurement before and after increased flow to assess erosion.
- Visual Documentation: Photographs at each stage to capture visual changes.
- Flow Rate Records: Document exact flow rates and durations for precision.
- Erosion and Deposition Areas: Use markers to clearly define and revisit specific areas affected by changes.
Evaluation of Accuracy and Precision:
- Consistent Procedures: Ensure the setup is consistent across all trials.
- Calibrated Equipment: Check the calibration of measuring devices (ruler, pump) before use.
- Repetition: Perform multiple trials to confirm reliability and precision of results.
By following these detailed, structured steps, another student should be able to replicate the investigation, observe erosion and deposition patterns, and analyze the impact of increased flow rate on these processes. Need Assignment Help?
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