Lab
In this lab we visit a local stream, in this case Kashong Creek, to measure its Discharge. We use tape measures, stopwatches, a ruled staff and small sponges to measure water depth and velocity. Wearing the waders is also a lot of fun (unless there's a leak).
Arrival
We arrive on scene.
Step One
Step one: Measure channel width.
Step Two
Step two: Sarah measures depth of stream.
Step two: Making sure it's the right spot.
Step Three
Step three: Joelle and Joe prepare to measure stream velocity.
Step three: Setting float.
Step three: Julia times the float.
Step Four
Final step: Record the data. Repeat.
For Fun
"Hang on, I'm reeling it in!".
"What the @#$% is that?"
Not that one, it's this one.
Jeff's checking the stick.
Wait, which one?.
Joe: "Watch me lift this boulder one-handed."
"There's no way he can lift that boulder one-handed."
Jess readies the float.
Teamwork.
Jean records data while Tyler multitasks.
"Yeah, it's a head-scratcher all right".
Meg navigates the weeds.
"Wait, I just realized these waders are not waterproof".
Clare sets Ali straight.
Jennifer and Ellen brave the current.
Dan and Caitlin discuss the next measurement.
"Hey, I think I've got a fish!"
Fearless TA Clare
No sense wearing waders if you're not gonna use them.
Isn't science wonderful?
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Definitions
- Discharge, represented by the letter Q, is defined as volume of water per unit time. We use cubic meters per sec (m^3/sec). Our class calculates discharge by measuring the cross-sectional area and velocity of a series of sections across the stream. Add each section's result up and you get the stream's total discharge. Our measurements this week averaged a little over 1 m^3/sec.