Measurement - stream cross section

Here are the measurements from Site 7. We will use these measurements to help us understand area and volume. 

Tasks:

1) Draw a scale diagram in your books

2) Find the average depth and multiply this by the width to find the stream cross section area.

3) Find the area of each section of the cross section (hint - it is usually a rectangle plus a triangle), add each section together to find the total area. 

4a) How does the answer from 3) compare with the area calculated from the method used in 2)?

4b) Which do you think is more accurate?

4c) Why do the Regional Council use the average depth method (as in 2))?