Project 1: Chalk Creek Hydrologic Project (20% of class grade)
In groups you will do a complete hydrologic analysis of the survey data collected on Chalk Creek and answer the questions we pose that are associated with the survey. The project and questions are available in the linked Word document below. Every group member should download a copy, but only one complete assignment with all parts answered should be submitted per group. Make sure each member of the group understands all calculations and answers. Though you may do parts individually, when you sign the honor code, you are signing that you understand all parts of the calculations. Any part of the calculations are fair game for the final oral exam.
Chalk Creek 2010 Project Description
We have placed one hard-copy group project packet in the ERC; each group packet contains very explicit directions to help you understand the required calculations. Please take only one project packet per group. Without the packet, your work will be much more challenging.
The following class data is available as the linked files below:
Chalk Creek Riffle Pebble Data @ XS1
Chalk Creek Riffle Pebble Data @ XS2
Chalk Creek Riffle Pebble Data @ XS3
Chalk Creek Representative Pebble Count (upstream only)
Chalk Creek X-section 1
Chalk Creek X-section 2
Chalk Creek X-section 3
Chalk Creek X-Section 1 Discharge
Chalk Creek X-Section 1 Discharge
Chalk Creek X-Section 1 Discharge
Chalk Creek Longitudinal Data (includes station elevations and heights)
Chalk Creek Historic Peak Flow Data (for calculating flood frequency)
Useful Links:
Calculation of Flood Frequency Directions (Excel Calculations): This example uses gages on Monument and Fountain Creeks. We have made it a bit easier by providing the spreadsheet of annual peak flows from Chalk Creek that you will need to use for this assignment.
DWR Streamflow site (link to Chalk Creek at Nathrop station from this page)
USGS Streamflow Site (only needed for Bonus question)
Project 2: Longitudinal Analysis Project and Journal Paper (group: 20% of class grade)
- Sampling and analysis: The purpose of this project is to gather samples and analyze the chemical,
physical and biological data from water and snow samples along
the longitudinal gradient starting from near the top of Pikes Peak to the
plains of Colorado Springs below the wastewater treatment plants along tributaries
of Fountain Creek to its confluence with the Arkansas River. Field measurements will include flow rate, air
and water temperature, pH,
specific conductivity and dissolved oxygen. Chemical
lab analyses will include cations (NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+), anions (F-, Cl-, NO3-, PO4-3, SO4-2), alkalinity, and selected trace
metals. These procedures and the theory behind each is described in the online lab maual. Biological lab testing will include BOD, E.coli and macroinvertebrates. Physical sampling will include stream flow and stream
cross-section in order to calculate stream discharge. Sampling and lab
analysis will be as an entire class and lab results will be shared for
group papers. Draft 1 is due on Monday May 3 at 5 PM and the final draft is due on Wed May 5 at 5 PM. The group paper should be written in a journal format that includes Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion and Conclusions. A total of 3-4 references should be cited. For your reference, we provide a detailed rubric for this assignment.
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Useful Links:
USGS Streamflow Site (for stream discharge)
The class projects for 2010 include a focus on the following areas:
Snow and upper streams
Fountain West
Monument north
Urban streams
Fountain South
- Excel spreadsheets with class data from this year and prior years can be downloaded from the links below. This year's project focuses on the 2010 data while using appropriate historic data for analysis.
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2010 Class Data (includes snow data-also on PROWL)
2009 Class Data
2009 Snow Data
2008 Class Data
2007 Class Data
2005 Class Data
2004 Class Data
- 2003 Class Data
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Final Project: Assessing the Effects of a WWTP on Stream Health (proposal: 5% of class grade; final paper 25% of class grade)
The final project requires that you design a statistically testable experiment that answers the broad question of how human impact affects stream health. In order to better understand how to design an experiment and how to prepare and write your final paper, we suggest that you read the last three chapters in Methods in Stream Ecology. The book has numerous suggestions for how to think about experimental design and data analysis-assuming you know some basics about statistical analysis such as ANOVA, regression and non-parametric tests. The project has two required components:
Project proposal: Due at 5 PM Friday of the second week of class (5% of class grade). The proposal must include at least three key references, a clear experimental design and a flow chart that explains your proxies for stream health and human impact. The experimental methods and sampling locations must be clearly explained with a justification of site selection. There are numerous ecological methods explained in great detail in the reserve text: Methods in Stream Ecology that can be done for your project. You are expected to read through applicable chapters as you design your experiment.
Project implementation and report: Due on the last day of class as individual reports and as group presentations. (25% of class grade) These are full scientific papers that include a title, abstract, introduction (at least five peer reviewed references), methods, results, discussion and conclusions.
Suggested Reading: See Reference page
2010 Class Projects
Nutrient spiralling on Mesa Creek-Alex B. (data spreadsheet)
Conservative Tracer on Mesa Creek-Bridgette (data spreadsheet)
Algae below GOG WWTP-Dan & Keith (ion data spreadsheet) (algae biomass data) (algae diversity spreadsheet)
Macroinvertebrates on Sand & Mesa Creeks-Brendan, Alec W., (data spreadsheet)
Algae Diversity on Sand Creek-Dan & Carol (data spreadsheet)
Community Productivity on Sand Creek-Alexis & Matt (WWTP data spreadsheet) (Wildflower data spreadsheet)
Carbon storage-Peter, Sam, Will, Alec L. (N2O, CH4 and CO2 flux data) (Mesa Creek Leaves) (Sand Creek Carbon) (Percent Organic Matter)
Drinking Water Transport-Maureen (data spreadsheet)
Ampicillin resistant bacteria-Jeremiah
STELLA model of nutrient spiralling-Nat
Nutrient spiralling on Sand Creek-Jillian & Becca (ion, conductivity and flow data spreadsheet) (BOD spreadsheet)
Ions on Mesa & Sand Creek (data spreadsheet)
Urban Impacts on stream geomorphology-Carson
Historic Data above sampling site on Mesa Creek (spreadsheet downloaded from GLOBE database)
2009 Class Projects
Manitou Springs fishery restoration - Emily R and Leah B
Haymann fire effect on watershed processes - Sam, Ian, Emily P., Brendan,
Community respiration, photosynthesis and carbon storage - Hallie, Kendra, Christina
Wetlands & lakes-Katie, David, Sarah
Rain catchment - Sandhya, Graham
Cheyenne Creek longitudinal analysis - Mitch
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