Project: SOS Save Our Soil

1
Project SOS (Save Our Soil)
2
Activity Overview

• Guiding Question
• When it rains, where does the water go? Where
  does the soil go?
• Procedure
• Use scientific visualization to assist in
  evaluating a plot of farmland
• Use results of visualization to communicate
  results to the farmer
• Use results of visualization to communicate
  results to local homeowners association

3
Case Study Scenario

• Farmer Mark's field is a small (10 acre) plot of
  land located in southwestern Durham County in
  North Carolina. Typically the field has been used
  for tobacco, but is currently being used for a
  variety of straight-to-market crops, such as
  corn, tomatoes, and pumpkins. The field is
  bordered by residential areas, most notably by a
  new elementary school directly to the south.
  There is considerable concern about stormwater
  runoff with the increase in construction directly
  surrounding the field.The goal of this project is
  to prepare a study for use in presentation to the
  local neighborhood association about the
  stormwater runoff issue, as well as to the local
  city and county government. The farmer is also
  concerned about loss of soil due to erosion, and
  would like some help in determining which crop(s)
  might best alleviate this problem.

4
Farmer Marks Field

• Field to left of pond, a trapezoidal-shaped plot
  of land, surrounded by residential areas and
  elementary school

5
Prepare visualization

• Collect field data
• Visualize field data
• Use field data results in stormwater runnoff/soil
  erosion model
• Question which crop(s) can best prevent
  stormwater runoff and soil loss?
• Use results of model visualization to communicate
  results

6
Collect field data

• Use topographic map with overlay to
• Determine parameters of the field
• Determine approximate elevations (in feet) for
  each of the 50 points

7
Visualize field data

• Enter data into spreadsheet (Excel)
• Visualize data using 3D surface plot
• Rotate surface plot to achieve best view
• Calculate slope

8
Use WEPP model

• Water Erosion Prediction Program
• Use model to investigate stormwater runoff, soil
  erosion, and agricultural options

9
(No Transcript)