Water + Crumpling

a. What general observations did you make?

I found that while I walked along the edge of the pond, the land was much higher than the actual water. After folding the paper to replicate the environment, I was able to splatter water to observe the movement of water. The man-made structures surround this area, as shown in the pictures.

b. Describe how the water moved across your model

When water was splattered on the paper, I noticed that it would quickly flow into the pond area. I also noticed that the water outside of the pond area dried much quicker than the water in the pond, which made sense since there was a greater concentration of water flowing into the pond and water areas.

c. Where are the closest human structures (i.e. parking lots, homes, etc.)?

How do these affect the movement of surface water?

The closest human structures include a small slide/play area with swings, a gazebo on the south side, a bridge on the north side, and a large parking lot on the east side. All of these structures are created at a higher level then the aquatic ecosystems, and therefor cause a greater flow of rain flow into the pond and river area. The bridge and the gazebo have water flowing from the sidewalks they are beside into the aquatic ecosystems. The parking lot generally maintains it water levels until they drain into the sewage pipes, where as the play area will absorb some water, as it contains wood chips and somewhat of a gravel ground surface.

d. Identify how carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) might be entering your ecosystem.

I actually live very close to Ford Field Park. I know that in the spring and summer, the city of Dearborn begins work on making the park more appealing by planting flowers in some areas. They also clean up the play area. Both of these changes generally utilize manure, which can be smelled almost near my backyard. This manure could be a strong source of both Nitrogen and Phosphorous. The rouge river, which is connected to this park pond, may also be a major source of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Carbon. The river collects these substances through sewage and through the shores, which may travel into the pond.

e. Does water affect their location? Should they be concentrated in any specific section of your watershed?

Water is definitely a big factor for the elements locations. Water is what moves these elements into the pond area. Even runoff from rain causes an increase in these elements, as they are washed from the grasses, gravel, and shrubs, and into the pond. Sine the water is most likely circulating with the moving river, the elements should be found throughout the watershed.

f. How can those nutrients leave the location or become unavailable for use?

These nutrients can leave this location through the river. After rain, it is possible for runoff of the elements to occur, which will push the elements into river and into a different location.

g. How might landscape features affect where organisms are located?

The previous pictures show that the pond is encompassed by vegetation, but it is not too far from man-made structures, which definitely deter organisms from inhabiting the area. On most occasions, the Canada Geese that roam the area will stay in a small group beside the pond. They generally stay away from the bridge and gazebo, as these are areas that humans generally overtake. The great amount of movement and car activity in the parking lot is also a deterrent to organisms.

h. Give an example of how an organism might in return affect abiotic factors.

If there is a large population of a certain organism in an area that is not harmful for the area, the creation of man-made structures may take these organisms into consideration so that they may remain in the area.

 

Done