Infiltration Lab

Question 1

Reasons for infiltration

S
P
c
V

Answer 1

– Soil structure/texture
– Previous moisture levels
– Compaction
– Vegetation type and cover

Question 2

Most erodible

Answer 2

likely the cultivated field because it

was mostly bare and had low infiltration rate.

Question 3

least prone to erosion from heavy rainfall

Answer 3

Site number 3 would be the least prone to erosion from heavy rainfall. The trees and weeds protect the soil from the impact of rain. The roots of the trees and weeds hold the soils in place. The soil has the highest infiltration rate and capacity. When rainfall exceeds a soil’s infiltration capacity, runoff is produced.

Question 4

least susceptible to groundwater contamination
hard to say without more info. Pick one and provide
a good rationale. –

Answer 4

Site number 5 would be the least prone to groundwater contamination from surface pollution. If there are a lot of weeds then there hasn’t been heavy use of herbicides. This site was located away from the road, so any salt contamination would not be a factor and there was no run off from other areas to this site which could carry contaminates.

Question 5

most susceptible to

groundwater contamination

Answer 5

The site that has the highest infiltration rate may be the least erodible but may have the highest chance of groundwater contamination because it soaks up the most contaminants.