Institute for the Study of the Environment, Albion College
Student research and service projects
| Rice Creek Watershed |
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GIS Hydrology/ geochemistry Invertebrate populations Microbiology Policy Issues |
Environmental Sciences curriculum
Hydrology and Geochemistry of the Creek
| Michelle Henn and Crystal Shaw collaborated on a study of the hydrology of the creek. The issues of most interest were the relative contributions of surface runoff and groundwater to the creek and the way in which the creek responds to rainfall. These affect the pathways of contaminants into the creek and its potential to cause local flooding. |  |
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By comparing Rice Creek (right) to neighboring Spring Brook, Crystal and Michelle gathered data suggesting that the straightening and dredging of Rice Creek has made it more prone to erosion and to flooding than Spring Brook, with its natural channel. |  |
| Michelle's data on chemistry showed that in the vicinity of the hog farm, nitrate levels increased during high water stages, suggesting that surface runnoff is responsible for transporting this nutrient to the creek. |
| Michelle and Crystal were able to present their results at the national meeting of the Geological Society of America in Reno, Nevada this fall. |  |