The Shake, Rock, and Roll of a Desert Wash

Overview

Objectives/Goals My project was to determine the profile of a desert wash from top to bottom.I hypothesized the profile of a desert wash would change down the length of the wash.I predicted the particle sizes would be larger and more abundant at the top of the wash and decrease in size as I traveled down the wash due to deposition. Methods/Materials For my project I used baggies to carry my soil samples. I used a small hand shovel to dig, permanment marker to label baggies, pencil, and tape measure to measure the circumference of rocks. I also carried gloves, rulers, buckets, notebook, map of area, backpack, 5 layered soil sieve, label paper, spring scale, data sheets, calculator, Dixie cups, paper clips, spoon and a timer. I went to the Coachella Valley Preserve, mapped off area, and collected samples. At home I weighed the samples 3 times each. Results The profile of the desert wash did change down the length of the wash. I found that the larger particle sizes were more abundant at the top and the fine sand and silt and clay increased as I made my way down the length of the wash. Conclusions/Discussion I conclude the location where soil samples are taken from a desert wash does affect the soil structure size. I also know that if I had gone higher up the wash the terrain would have been very rocky.

Awards (1)

• First Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2007 Earth & Planetary Sciences · Entry J0712

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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