Natural Disasters

Overview

Objectives/Goals I wanted to find out how moisture and soil type affects landslides and mudslides Methods/Materials In this experiment I used: 1 complete apparatus with filter, 5 gallons of silt, 5 gallons of sand, 5 gallons of dirt, 5 gallons of gravel, a measuring cup, an oven, a set of hands, a hose, 2 baking dishes. Methods: For this experiment, I placed 12 cups of the substance on a moving board inside the apparatus and shaped it into a 10 degree angle to simulate a hill. Next, I gradually moved the board up to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, and then 60 degrees. When 4 cups of the substance fell into the measuring cup, I considered that a landslide or mudslide. I did this experiment when when the substances were dry, when 3 cups of water had been added to the substance, and when 8 cups of water had been added to the substance. I also did the tests 5 times with each substance under each condition. Results The average angle at which substances slid under dry conditions: Silt: 34 degrees. Sand: 30 degrees. Dirt: 30 degrees. Gravel: 32 degrees The average angle at which substances slid under wet conditions: Silt: 30 degrees. Sand: 34 degrees. Dirt: 37 degrees. gravel: 30 degrees. The average angle at which substances slid under very wet conditions: Silt: 12 degrees. Sand: 24 degrees. dirt: 18 degrees. Gravel: 20 degrees. Conclusions/Discussion My predictions for dry conditions were that gravel would be the sturdiest, then dirt, silt, and then sand. But it turned out that silt was the sturdiest, followed by gravel, and then dirt and sand were tied. I thought that under the wet conditions, the order would be the same as under wet conditions. But dirt was really the most stable, in second was sand, and then tied for last were gravel and silt. Under the very wet conditions, my predictions were that the most stable substance would again be gravel, then sand, followed by dirt and then sand. The results showed that sand was the most stable, then gravel, dirt, and finally silt. These results weren't really true to my hypothesis, although some of the predictions were. This experiment helps people understand soil stability and the importance of it while making a road. It also tells what soil is the best to use when making a road.

Awards (1)

• Category Award

Competition history

• CSEF 2002 Earth Sciences/ Planetary Sciences/ Physical Environments · Entry J0601

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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