Rate of Erosion (Jovanny Navarro)

Research Question and Hypothesis

How does the speed at which water travels affect the amount of erosion occurring on a surface over time?

Standards

Ca. Science Standard - 4th Grade Earth Science

Students know some changes in the earth are due to slow processes, such as erosion, and some changes are due to rapid processes, such as landslides, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes.

Experimental Design

This experiment is to demonstrate the effect erosion can have on land. In particular, this experiment will focus on the amount of erosion a river can have on the land around it. This experiment will demonstrate how the amount of erosion is affected by the speed at which a river travels.

Independent variable

Your independent variable will be time.

Dependent variables

The depth of the hole caused by the water splashing on it (erosion).

Series

The height from which the water is being dropped onto the salt block is the independent variable.

Constants and Controls

The constants for this longitudinal experiment are the two salt blocks, amount of water, and water temperature.

*This experiment does not have a control.

Materials

2 salt blocks (found at horse feed store)

water

2 two-liter water bottles

Procedures

Provide a clear, concise list of procedures to be followed.

Sample data and graphs

Analysis & Conclusions

Block 2 had a higher rate of erosion. The final results showed that block 2 eroded a total of 5 cm while block 1 eroded 2.8 cm. The rate of erosion from block 2 was almost double of that seen in block 1. There was some discrepancy in the data shown in block 2. After pouring 6 liters of water, a buffer was created by the hole made due to erosion. This meant that any additional water poured onto the salt block would cause little erosion since the water was not hitting the salt block but rather the water. This buffer dissipated when a crevasse was created on the side of the salt block causing the water to flush out.

Photos & Movies

References