Allyson was very interested in the results of the investigations in the stream table. She had read about a flash flood on a river flowing through a steep canyon in Colorado several years ago. The flood caused quite a bit of damage and loss of lives. She wondered how she might set up an investigation in the stream table to find out what effect flooding would have on a stream with a steep slope.
What advic would you give her about setting up her investigation? How will she know what changes were caused by flooding?
To set up an investigation in the stream table to understand the effect of flooding on a stream with a steep slope, Allyson can follow these steps:
1. Set up the stream table: Allyson should prepare a stream table, which is a small-scale model of a stream system. The stream table should consist of a sloped base or channel where she can simulate the flow of water.
2. Define the baseline conditions: Before conducting the flooding experiment, Allyson needs to establish the baseline conditions of the stream. This can include measuring variables such as the channel width, depth, discharge (the amount of water flowing through the channel), and sediment load (the amount of sediment carried by the water).
3. Simulate the flooding event: Allyson can recreate the flooding event by introducing a sudden increase in the flow rate of water in the stream table. She can achieve this by adjusting the water supply or adding additional water to simulate the flash flood.
4. Observe and document changes: As the flood event occurs, Allyson should carefully observe and document the changes taking place in the stream. These can include erosion, deposition of sediment, channel widening or narrowing, changes in velocity, creation of new channels or paths, and shifting of the stream's bed or banks.
5. Conduct measurements and analysis: Allyson should take measurements and collect data on various parameters of the stream after the flooding event. This can include measuring the changes in channel width, depth, discharge, and sediment load. Additionally, she can take photographs or video recordings to visually capture the differences before and after flooding.
6. Compare results: By comparing the data collected during the baseline conditions with the post-flood measurements, Allyson will be able to identify specific changes in the stream caused by the flooding event. These changes will provide insights into how flooding affects a stream with a steep slope.
In summary, Allyson can set up her investigation by first establishing the baseline conditions of the stream, simulating the flooding event in the stream table, observing and documenting changes during and after the flood, and finally analyzing the data to determine the effects of flooding on a stream with a steep slope.