BSEN 3230 Lab Assignment #1 – Spring 2020

(Due at the beginning of next week’s lab) This is an individual assignment!

Watershed Delineation Report & Map

Objective: To learn how to delineate a watershed from reading contour lines on a map and using
publicly available information and tools found on the internet.

Instructions: Using the contour maps provided and the Google Earth .kmz file, delineate the watersheds
using the starred (or pinned) location as the outfall. I suggest starting with pencil, then when you are
satisfied with your watershed, use a sharpie or dark pen. Use the web tools discussed in class for the
Google Earth watersheds.

Remember: Each contour line represents a line of equal elevation. Contour lines have the following
characteristics:

1. The bending section of a contour line which points toward lower elevation is a portion
of ridge.
2. The bending section of a contour line which points higher elevation is a portion of valley.
3. A contour line which closes itself is either a hill top or an enclosed lowland, i.e. swamp
i. Hilltop – the adjacent contour line has a lower elevation.
ii. Enclosed lowland – the adjacent contour line has a higher elevation.

Deliverables:

1. The three Watershed boundary maps shown below clearly showing the delineation, using the
star as the outfall point.
2. Screen shots of the 2 watersheds provided in Google Earth, delineated clearly.
3. A short write up on “lessons learned” in this lab (half page minimum).

Grading: (out of 20 points)

Rubric: Writing Assessment Rubric (provided) for Organization, Style, Grammar, Figures and Tables, and
References.