A student is constructing a stream table to investigate how erosion by a meandering stream is affected by the slope of the land. The student uses the equipment shown.

Question

What should the student vary for the different trials of the experiment?
Responses
A The number of blocks stacked beneath the trayThe number of blocks stacked beneath the tray
B The sediment size of sand used in the stream tableThe sediment size of sand used in the stream table
C The size of the hole in the bottom of the container of waterThe size of the hole in the bottom of the container of water
D The volume of water that enters the stream table and collects in the bucketThe volume of water that enters the stream table and collects in the bucket

Answer 1

For the student's experiment investigating how erosion by a meandering stream is affected by the slope of the land, the best option to vary would be:

A. The number of blocks stacked beneath the tray.

By changing the number of blocks, the student can adjust the slope of the land in the stream table, which directly affects the flow of water and the resulting erosion patterns. The other options, while they may affect the experiment in some way, do not directly relate to changing the slope of the land itself like option A does.