Blog #2

For our second lab, we took a trip to the Ocmulgee River to run some observe the landscape, as well as run some tests in the river. We looked to measure the elevational differences in the different areas along the river bed. We also measured the amount of clams that lived in certain areas of the water. Finally, we measured the flow rate of the river using simple objects.

1. Measuring the elevational differences - We did not get the opportunity to measure the elevational differences However, if we did measure the levels we would have measured the elevational differences by using PCB pipes and reading the line levels that are marked on it. One pipe with markings on it would be tied to another pipe like it. Then you would take the numbers from the pipes and subtract them to get the elevation increase or decrease. One mark on the pipe equals one foot.

2. Measuring the relative amount of clams in river - We used a large crate with a metal screen in the bottom. We dug up some sand from different areas of the river and placed the sand in the crate. Then the sand was sifted through the metal screen, revealing the clams. Then the number of clams was counted and we took counts for different elevations to see the clam concentrations in certain types of areas (ex. deep underwater sand vs. island sand).

3. Measuring the river flow rate - We found a small object to float in the water. Then we spaced people out in even intervals to see how much time it took the object to reach each person. Then the object was allowed to float along the river, passing by the people. Then we calculated the speed by taking the distance and dividing it by the amount of time it took to cover that distance.

Our Ocmulgee River Experience

Ocmulgee River Data

My Ocmulgee River Elevation Graph

So our trip to the Ocmulgee River helped us to see how to measure different constructs by measuring the clam concentrations, the river flow rate, and the different elevational levels of the river. Knowing these things about the river is important because the Ocmulgee River is such an integral part of the environment.

Blog #1

Cartography

Choropleth Map

The chloropleth map is good for visualizing a measurement's variation across an particular area. In this map we see can see where there are many acres of orchids and also areas that do not have a lot of orchid acres. 

Dot Density Map

The dot density map is useful because they can see spacial patterns of whatever the map looks to show. Each dot should be placed in a pinpoint location. It is also good in showing the concentration of something. For instance, in this map, we can see that the United States' harvested cropland in 1949 was mostly harvested in the Midwest.

Proportional Symbol Map

The proportional symbol map is used to show geographic information. Symbols on the map are generally not placed in pinpoint locations. In this map, we can see that the larger states have a higher number of high school dropouts.

Isopleth Map

Isopleth maps are good in showing a particular area's steepness as well as weather fronts that may be moving in an area. This map is unique because the lines are the focal point rather than dots, coloration, and symbols. In this example, we can see there are a few steep spots in the area and we can also see the elevations.

This is a link from the Weather Channel about Tropical Storm Leslie

http://bcove.me/8qwn2wxe