Chris and Roy, here is the draft of the revised outcomes and pre/post quiz. I
designed it so it works equally well whether or not we are using computers, with the
idea that we will be using this module with and without a computerized supplement
or lecture component.
-Ben, 21 Nov 2011
MAIN OUTCOMES FOR THE MODULE
1. Students can calculate flood recurrence intervals using historical data for a
simple drainage basin
2. Students can model the effect of land use change and urbanization on flood
recurrence intervals for a simple drainage basin
3. Students can describe the consequences of ineffective land use and flood
management practices
4. Students can identify the organizations responsible for flood management in
the USA and describe the roles of geoscientists within these organizations
QUIZ QUESTIONS FOR PRE/POST (need to make these various types, multi, short,
etc… please help Chris)
1. [multi choice with units] The primary purpose of stream gauges is to provide
this type of information:
a. Water Temperature (e.g. Fahrenheit)
b. Water Height (e.g. Feet)
c. Water Discharge Rate (e.g. cubic Feet per Second)
d. Rainfall (e.g. inches)
e. Count fish (e.g. Salmon)
2. [multi step calculation] Arrange the provided stream gauge data by
magnitude, determine the yearly range N represented by the data, then
define and solve the recurrence interval formula for the dataset [ROY
MENTIONS EXAMPLES IN THE DATA… WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???]
3. [multi step calculation] Compute from the dataset the total volumetric
discharge from the basin QP, the volume of the main river channel QM, and the
frequency-corrected total volumetric discharge QC-50, QC-25, and QC-10 for the
50, 25, and 10 year events, then use these results to determine whether
flooding will occur in this channel during the 50, 25, and 10 year events.
[OBVIOUSLY WE NEED THE BASIN AND THE CHART HERE, AND THE BASIN
NEEDS TO BE SHOWN SUCH THAT AREA AND CHARACTERISTICS CAN BE
DETERMINED FROM IT, AND WE NEED THE ARIZONA RAINFALL CHART]
4. [short answer] Define impervious cover and how urbanization affects it.
5. [short answer] Define lag time and how it is affected by urbanization.
6. [short answer] Draw a single figure where you show the typical hydrographs
for a basin (a) before, and (b) after, an increase in impervious cover, and
indicate on the figure, (c) whether total runoff volume increases or
decreases, (d) whether the magnitude of the peak runoff rate increases or
decreases, and (e) whether the peak runoff rate occurs sooner or later, as a
result of the increase in impervious cover.
7. [short answer] List at least three policies or practices that water managers
can use to reduce the damage caused by flood events.
8. [multiple choice] What U.S. Federal agency is the primary provider of
streamflow and surface water resource data?
a. NOAA
b. USGS
c. NHC (maybe write these out????)
d. USDA
e. FEMA
f. USACE
9. [multiple choice] What U.S. Federal agency is the primary provider of rainfall
and weather data?
a. NOAA
b. USGS
c. NHC
d. USDA
e. FEMA
f. USACE
10. What U.S. Federal agency is the primary regulator and provider of flood
control services?
a. NOAA
b. USGS
c. NHC
d. USDA
e. FEMA
f. USACE
11. [short answer] What does it mean to model a natural phenomena such as a
flood hydrograph, and why is it necessary to produce these models?
Lab 9 Flood Prediction in Small Drainage Basins
Floods are a serious hazard that affects millions of people around the world.
Predictions of flooding events can be made from historical and physical data,
thereby reducing the chance for loss of life and property. Mitigating the effects of
flooding and the management of waterways and drainage basins is a critical
function of local, state and federal officials.
The lab employs a predictive model that is both qualitative and quantitative to
achieve a method for flood prediction in small basins.
Outcomes
Students will:
1) Apply historical discharge data (typical stream gauge data) to compute
recurrence intervals and probability.
1-a) Describe what a stream gauge does.
1-b) Define the variables in the recurrence interval formula.
1-c) Re-order the stream gauge discharge data arrays by magnitude.
1-d) Determine N – the range of yearly data in the array
1-e) Correctly solve the recurrence interval formula for specific examples
in the data array
2) Apply geophysical characteristics to compute predictions for flooding in small
drainage basins.
2-a) Compute acreage for a small drainage basin
2-b) Apply the surface runoff characteristics chart and description to
compute a sum of runoff factors
2-c) Apply the discharge graph to determine Qp – total discharge
2-d) Apply the Arizona rainfall intensity map to determine R.
2-e) Compute Qc – the corrected total discharge for 50, 25 and 10 year flood
events.
2-f) Compute Qm - the volume of the main river stream channel
2-g) Compare Qc with Qm and determine a prediction
3) Describe the effects of urbanization on the frequency and intensity of floods in
urban areas.
3-a) Define impervious cover
3-b) Define lag time
3-c) Describe the effects of impervious cover on flooding magnitude and lag
time
3-d) Display a hydrograph comparing a storm event in a rural region pre and
post urbanization
3-e) Write a paragraph describing the effects of urbanization on the
frequency and intensity of floods in urban areas.
4) Develop an increased awareness of the value of water control management.
4-a) Describe how water management is a vital part of the infrastructure of
modern life.
4-b) Consider the impacts and effects poor management of flood control and
other water control management
5) Develop an increased awareness of the value of professional geoscientists and
engineers who manage drainage basins and flood control measures.
5-a) Recognize who does the research and who provides public access to
hazards related information.
5-b) Access and become familiar with the web pages of the USGS, FEMA,
NOAA, NHC, USDA
6) Develop an increased awareness of the science of ‘the modeling of natural
phenomena’.
6-a) Summarize what it means to ‘model natural phenomena’
6-b) Summarize how this lab ‘modeled natural phenomena’
6-c) Summarize the value of ‘the modeling of natural phenomena’
7) Develop an increased perception of the value of geo-science education.
7-a) Summarize the value of the knowledge gained in this lab
7-b) Summarize the value of learning about water systems