Project Spring

EACH student is required to complete a course project. The objective of the project is to investigate long term changes (at least several- month long) in stream flow patterns due to precipitation in a particular watershed. Each student will analyze a different watershed for which stream flow data and precipitation data are available for the specific period, and present results in a written paper. Watersheds and time periods of analysis should be selected to answer a question about changes in stream flows in response to changes in crop production practices or urbanization or IDF curve development. The paper will include

1. An abstract (overview of your work and conclusion)

2. An introduction (that will provide a statement of objective and justification for the watershed and time period selected)

3. Descriptive information on the watershed (size, location, land cover) and data sources

4. Hydrological analysis of this watershed (real precipitation and flow data for the specific watershed must be presented, and this part must include detailed calculation between precipitation and runoff flow).

5. Results, discussion of results, including discussion of scientific articles that provide relevant explanation for any of the patterns observed.

6. References (including all citations you used in your report)

The paper should be about 12 pages (Time new roman, 12) in length.

Standards:

1. The project will account for 20% of your overall grade. The written report will be double-spaced. The first part should concisely describe the nature of the problem that will be addressed.

2. Components of Project

a. Well-organized structure
b. Abstract
c. Introduction

i. Statement of objective
ii. Justification of the watershed you selected
iii. Literature review of hydrologic analysis of the watershed
iv. Quality of writing

d. Descriptive information on the watershed (size, location, land cover, show a decent geographical map, and data sources.

e. Hydrological analysis of this watershed

i. Real precipitation and flow data in a table for the specific watershed
ii. Detailed calculation of precipitation, runoff flow and other hydrological processes (e.g., IDF curve development).

f. Results and Conclusions

i. Results analysis of your calculation including some figures such as hydrograph hyetograph, IDF curves (for design concerns) etc.
ii. Show your conclusion based on your analysis

g. References.