Video: Catchment Studies

As usual with these videos which are a few years old, the science has made some progress - but all the material presented is still representative.  The computer technology, however, has changed tremendously.

In watching the video, look for answers to the following questions.

1. The video concentrates on two areas, the Santa Clara River in southern California, and the Wye and Severn Rivers in Wales (western Britain). The reasons monitoring is needed differs between the two areas. How?
2. What is measured by a flume, and what is measured by a lysimeter?
3. How do hydrographs differ between grassland and forested areas?
4. What can happen to precipitation once it reaches the surface of the earth?
5. Why would you put a rain gauge in a pit? Why have one at the top of a tree?
6. What are some of the major impacts of floods?

Also, consider the following:

1. What might be done to decrease the risk of flooding on the Santa Clara River?

   B.    What is likely to happen to the River Severn once the coniferous forest plantations

                      grow to maturity and are harvested?

N.B. These questions are a guide to watching the video, answers are NOT to be submitted for grading.