Department
of Earth Science |
Northeastern
Illinois University
Department
of Earth Science |Northeastern
Illinois University
Homework #3 (Due February 5, 2004) Sanders
t Invent methods to measure a) the density of snow, and b) the depth of a snowfall. Be sure your method for measuring snow depth can be used both for snowfall on bare ground and for snowfall on top of existing snow, which may have packed down with time.
Your answers will not be evaluated on whether or not they follow standard methods, but rather, on the degree to which they will provide an accurate measurement, are clearly stated, are reproducible (if others followed your instructions and made the same measurements as you, would they get the same results?), and are inventive.
HINTS: What tools will be needed? What procedures will be followed? Where should measurements be made? How many measurements will have to be made to ensure the final estimate is reasonable? In what units will measurements be made and reported?
t After a snowfall, use your methods to make measurements of snow depth and density, either on the NEIU campus or in another location of your choosing (for example, your yard or a local park). If you should need to use supplies/equipment in the Earth Science Department labs, feel free to contact me or the Lab Manager Pete Fortsas to make arrangements.
t Calculate the total volume of water that fell as snow in your chosen location. (Hint: you will need to have a measurement of area for this step. If you decide to use the NEIU campus as your location, you'll need the campus area measurement given at this site.)
t Compile all the results from your group and hand in a single report. The report should summarize methods and results for each person, and should comment on differences in methods, and should give potential explanations for similarities and differences in results. Include an estimate of error in your measurements.
© 2004 Laura L. Sanders. Last updated January 26, 2004.