AJ Hepworth
Science Instructional Leader
Mineola Middle School, 200 Emory Road, Mineola, New York 11501

Name __________________________________________                          Date:    /    /

Teacher _________________________                                                             per. ______

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 TITLE: Angle of Repose

 OBJECTIVE: The moisture content of avalanches plays an important role in determining when and how an avalanche will move. Dry snow avalanches consist of snow that will not form a snowball when squeezed with a gloved hand. Wet snow, on the other hand, oozes water when squeezed. These characteristics are similar in sand as they are in snow. Water serves as a natural lubricant and bonding agent dependent upon the ratio of water present in the substance. In this lab activity, we will observe how the ratio of sand to water can determine the downward movement or flow of water.

 VOCABULARY: slope, sediment flow, talus, regolith, and angle of repose

 MATERIALS: water, sand, protractor, beaker, and large flat pan

 PROCEDURE:

1.      Fill six plastic cups with 50 mL sand.

2.      Fill each plastic cup with water so exactly 50 mL, 40 mL, 30 mL, 20 mL, 10 mL and 0 mL exists in it.

3.      Allow the water to settle in the cup.

4.      Pack cup by gentle tapping it on the desk.

5.      Quickly, flip the cup over onto the large pan.

6.      Record your observations as a diagram and measure the angle of repose. From peak to base.

 QUESTIONS:

1.      Which condition caused the most sediment flow? Explain why you think so.

2.      Which condition caused the least sediment flow? Explain why you think so.

 CONCLUSION: How can humans plan and protect themselves from sediment flow.

 ABOVE & BEYOND: Explain how an avalanche occurs.

DATA: