Soil Infiltration and Runoff  Coursework Example

Name: Date: Instructor’s Name: Assignment: SCI103 Phase 3 Lab Report Title: Soil Infiltration and Runoff Abstract Water infiltration and water runoff on the surface depends on the type of soil in which the water passes. For instance, the porous soil has a high rate of infiltration, and therefore the level of runoff reduces and also the level of sedimentation equally reduces. The infiltration also increases as a result of the vegetation that that exists on the soil. The presence of vegetation increase the drainage rate since the water is absorbed by the roots of the plant and also the aeration is improved by the plant roots. The vegetations also reduce the rate of surface runoff since they act as obstacles to the flowing water. Similarly, the intensity at which the raindrop hits the surface of the land is reduced in the areas where the there is vegetation since the leaves of the plants act as the barriers to direct splash on the soil hence reducing the surface erosion of the soil as well. Part I: Field Research Section 1: Gather the following information from field research while in the Phase 3 lab environment. Notice that each site you visit has a distinctly different surface, which could affect runoff. One Inch of Rainfall Shallow water infiltration Deep water infiltration Runoff water Evaporation water Vegetation 0.25 0.25 0.10 0.40 Mountain 0.10 0.05 0.60 0.25 Bare soil 0.20 0.15 0.35 0.30 Section 2: One inch of rainfall deposits 144 cubic inches (0.623 gallons) of water per square foot of surface area. Use the following formula to calculate the amount of water after one inch of rainfall (in gallons) for each section: (0.623) x (square feet of surface area) x (% from lab demo*) = gallons of water *Remember 40% is written as “0.40” in an equation. One Inch of Rainfall Shallow water infiltration Deep water infiltration Runoff water Evaporation water Vegetation 15.575 15.575 6.23 24.92 Mountain 6.23 3.115 37.38 15.575 Bare soil 12.46...