Creek Flow Estimation

We can model the water flow in the creek as a box of water sliding down the creek bed.

Measurements:

• cross sectional area of creek
  • length across the creek
  • depth of creek
• water velocity in creek
  • length along creek
  • time for floating object to travel this length

Note that if you multiply the cross sectional area by the velocity you get a flow rate.

\textrm{area} \cdot \textrm{velocity} \textrm{length} \cdot \textrm{length} \cdot \frac{\textrm{length}}{\textrm{time}} \frac{\textrm{volume}}{\textrm{time}}

Strategy

• Write a diagram of your model in your notes
• Measure/estimate the properties of the creek
• Record these estimates and their units clearly in your notes
• Plug these estimates into the model and make a flow estimate.
• Check your flow estimate against the USGS measurement.