Stream Study

Stream Study

Part 1: Velocity

Trial #	# of Seconds Per 5 Metres	Velocity (m/s)
1	8.0	0.63
2	6.9	0.72
3	7.7	0.65
AVERAGE	7.5	0.67

Trial 1 = 5/8

            = 0.63

Trial 2 = 5/6.9

            =0.72

Trial 3= 5/6.5

            = 0.65

AVERAGE STREAM VELOCITY =5 metres per 7.5 seconds

                                                            = 5/7.5

                                                            = 0.67 m/s

Is it possible for a stream to be neither eroding, nor depositing material? When would this occur?

Yes, it is possible for a stream to be neither eroding, nor depositing material. This would occur when the stream is not running. For example, in winter time, when the stream is frozen over and is not running, there is no eroding taking place, due to the lack of movement. There is also no material being deposited into the earth, because the water is in a solid form and does not deposit minerals. In the same way, a dried stream would cause no erosion, nor could it deposit any materials into the earth. 

Part 2: Stream Erosion and Profiling

Stream Width = 80 cm

Distance From Shore (cm)	Water Depth (cm)	Sediment Grain Size (mm)	Sediment Grain Shape
20	5	0.5	Round and granular
40	20	0.7	Irregular and pebbly
60	19	0.6	Irregular and pebbly
80	9	0.4	Round and granular

Analysis

2. Average Depth: 0.1325 m

Average Width: 0.5 m

Cross Sectional Area = 0.066 m

Average Velocity x Cross Sectional Area = Rate of Discharge

0.67 m/s x 0.066 = 0.04 m3/s

3. As you move across the stream, from one side to the other, the sediment becomes larger and more poorly sorted. Especially towards the middle of the stream, the sediment becomes extremely irregular and larger pebbles are found. Along the bank, the sediment becomes more granular and sandy. The sides are comprised of sorted material, worn down by the moving waters.