InTeGrate Modules and Courses >Water Science and Society > Student Materials > Module 3: Rivers and Watersheds > River flow changes over time > Formative Assessment 2: River Flow
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These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
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Initial Publication Date: March 31, 2017

Formative Assessment 2: River Flow

Instructions

Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences. Consider each question carefully and be sure to provide a complete answer.

Questions

  1. Explain the difference between an upland system and a stream system. What would you measure in order to determine whether a channel could be considered a stream?
  2. Go to the USGS website (water.usgs.gov) and find a gauged river near where you live.
    1. Before looking at the discharge data make predictions about the likely flow regime based on your knowledge of watershed characteristics such as topography and geology and local climate patterns. Is the river likely to have predictable floods or unpredictable floods? Are large magnitude floods likely to be frequent or infrequent, of short or long duration? How flashy is the river likely to be? How different are the lowest and highest flows experienced within a year (i.e., is the highest flow of the year 10, 100, or 1000+ times greater than the lowest flow of the year)?
    2. Now look at the mean daily flow record for the last 10 years and compare the flow regime to your predictions. Were you surprised by any aspects of the flow regime? Submit a screen-shot of the hydrograph and a brief explanation of your findings.
    3. Compare your chosen river to another river that has a watershed of comparable size, but is in a different geo-climatic region. Is the flow regime similar or different? In what ways is it different? Describe some of the major watershed and climatic characteristics that likely account for these differences.
  3. What is the lowest flow of the year on the Logan River for each of the four years shown in Figure 21? Why do you suppose there is so little apparent variability in this low flow value? Figure 21

Worksheet

Download the worksheet (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 56kB Mar28 17) to use when submitting your assessment.

Scoring and Rubric

Each answer will earn a maximum of 5 points, as described in the rubric below.


Rubric
Work ShownPossible Points
Answer reflects careful consideration of the question2
Answer is appropriate in length1
Answer is legible1
Answer given in complete sentences, correct spelling and grammar1

Submitting Your Assignment

Bring your written answers to class.

These materials are part of a collection of classroom-tested modules and courses developed by InTeGrate. The materials engage students in understanding the earth system as it intertwines with key societal issues. The collection is freely available and ready to be adapted by undergraduate educators across a range of courses including: general education or majors courses in Earth-focused disciplines such as geoscience or environmental science, social science, engineering, and other sciences, as well as courses for interdisciplinary programs.
Explore the Collection »