34: Local Stream Studies

What is the relationship between the depth of a stream and its speed?

Do these two experiments at both Site 3 and Site 4.

Experiment 1: How fast does the stream travel?

First find the right bank, left bank and midstream. Stand in the middle of the stream and face the direction the stream is travelling. The right bank will be on the same side as your right arm.

Set up the poles 2 metres apart using the metre sticks.

Using a stopwatch, time how long it takes a cork to travel 2 metres at the right bank, left bank and midstream.

Fill your results in the table below.

2: Measure the depth of the stream

Find the right bank, left bank and midstream. Stand in the middle of the stream and face the direction the stream is travelling. The right bank will be on the same side as your right arm.

Using the ruler, measure the depth of the water in centimetres (from the river bed to the river surface) at the right bank, left bank and midstream. Record your results in the table.

3: Measure the width of the stream

Use a tape measure to find the width of the stream at Site 3 and Site 4.

Width of the stream at Site 3: _________________

Width of the stream at Site 4: _________________