Investigating the Precipitation — Streamflow Relationship
Published July 21, 2003. Last major revision January 8, 2004.
Description
This chapter leads students to consider key aspects of the water cycle as they investigate the relationship between precipitation and streamflow. The duration and intensity of the precipitation, soil porosity, the slope of the ground, and the time of year emerge as some of the potential factors in this investigation.
Step-by-step instructions guide users through the process of locating and downloading Web-based streamflow and precipitation data, importing the data into a spreadsheet, and generating a graph that displays the day-to-day relationship between these two variables across a full year. The inquiry starts once the graph is complete. The patterns that emerge from the graph are sometimes predictable and sometimes quite puzzling. As students raise questions about this complex relationship and search for answers, they develop a deeper understanding of some of the basic dynamics of the water cycle. There is no attempt in this chapter to quantify the precipitation-streamflow relationship.
Although the particular case study in this chapter is valuable for introducing the procedures related to a precipitation-streamflow investigation, users will have greater opportunities for inquiry if they go on to study a watershed close to home. In a local investigation, you may have the opportunity to visit the watershed to gather information about foctors such as slope, soil composition, and vegetation. You'll also have the opportunity to request information from local officials or environmental agencies.
This chapter is part of the Earth Exploration Toolbook. Each chapter provides teachers and/or students with direct practice for using scientific tools to analyze Earth science data. Students should begin on the Case Study page.
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