Water Flow Lab Worksheet Directions: Use this worksheet to make predictions, record your data, and draw conclusions about how Earth’s materials and its surface interact with the flow of water. This worksheet will be submitted as part of your portfolio assignment. Part 1. Follow a Stream—Water Erosion Lab Introduction The amount of work a flowing stream can do depends on the energy it carries. Various factors can influence this energy, such as the volume of water that is flowing and the incline gradient (steepness), which affects the water’s speed. Mountains can have a range of elevations, so average temperatures at different mountain locations will affect how much energy is present in the water-Earth system. When a flowing stream approaches a larger body of water, the effects on the land depend on the characteristics of the water body involved. Different land formations occur when the stream enters into a river estuary, a body of water with large waves, or a body of water with big differences in tide levels. Make Predictions Using what you have learned about stream competence and capacity, use the questions below to make some predictions about what you might observe in the Water Erosion Lab. 1. How will water volume, incline gradient, and temperature affect the energy of a stream? 2. Suppose a stream has a low volume but a steep gradient. How might the stream change the land? Provide your reasoning. 3. Now suppose a stream has a high volume but a low gradient. How might the stream change the land? Provide your reasoning. Record Data Instructions Follow the instructions presented in the Water Erosion Lab. Gather information to complete the data table presented for each terrain type as you follow a stream through rocky terrain, down a mountain, and across plains to large bodies of water with unique characteristics. Part 2. Virtual Stream Table Introduction In this part of the lab activity, you will model stream effects using a virtual stream table. You will set the riverbed gradient and the volume of water flow. You will observe and record what river channel types form and the relative amount of water and sediment collected at the base of the table. Make Predictions Answer the questions below to make some predictions before you use the Virtual Stream Table tool. 1. What water flow conditions might cause a deep, narrow river channel to form in the stream table? 2. What water flow conditions might cause a wide, highly divided river channel to form in the stream table? 3. What conditions might cause the most water and sediment to be collected at the bottom of the stream table? Record Data Instructions Follow the instructions presented in the Virtual Stream Table. Gather information to complete the data table. Note that you cannot test the null setting because it is even ground. Draw Conclusions In 6-8 sentences, explain how stream volume and speed affect the size, shape, and flow of streams and rivers. Use evidence from the Water Erosion Lab and Virtual Stream Table Activity to support your claims. Connect your claims and evidence with compelling reasoning related to available energy and stream competence and capacity.
