Hydrology Site Definition and Mapping Your Site

1
Hydrology Site Definition and Mapping Your Site
2
Site Selection

• in order of preference
• Stream or river
• Lake, reservoir, bay, or the ocean
• Pond
• Irrigation ditch or other (if none of the above
  is available)

3
Preparing For Your Measurements

• Once your site has been selected, "Define Your
  Site" using the Documenting Your Hydrology Study
  Site Field Guide and Mapping Your Hydrology Study
  Site Field Guide.
• If possible, conduct your Hydrology measurements
  weekly.
• All measurements should be made at roughly the
  same time of day.

4
Quality Assurance and Quality Control

• Collect the water sample as directed.
• Perform most tests immediately after collecting
  the water sample (see protocols).
• Carefully calibrate, use, and maintain all
  testing equipment.
• Follow the specific directions of all protocols
  EXACTLY as described.
• Repeat measurements to check their accuracy and
  understand potential sources of error.
• Minimize contamination of stock chemicals and
  testing equipment.

5
Why map your site?

• Without a study site definition, it is difficult
  for you or scientists using your data to
  interpret your data for scientific research.
• To describe your study site, follow the
  instructions in the Documenting Your Hydrology
  Study Site.

6
Include on map

• Name of site
• Name of water body, for example, Platt River
• Direction of North (use arrow)
• Scale (indicates distance, e.g., 1 cm 3 meters)
• Date
• Key to all symbols used in map

7
While making your map

• Look around, what things might be influencing the
  characteristics of the water?
• What would you like to know about the water?
• Think of one or more research questions about the
  water at this site.