Using Short-Lived Radionuclides to Explore the Effects of Agricultural Drainage Tiles on Erosion Depth in the Vermilion Watershed, Ohio

Presenter Information

Jennifer Bower, Oberlin College

Location

Science Center, K209

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-26-2013 2:45 PM

End Date

4-26-2013 3:45 PM

Abstract

In this study, we explore the relationship between agricultural land use, drainage tiles, and depth of erosion in the Vermillion River watershed. Land use in the Vermillion watershed is primarily agricultural, and many farmers use drainage tiles to combat clayey and compacted soil. While the effect of drainage tiles on erosion is not well constrained, we can record variations in erosion depth in relation to the percentage of drainage tiles in the different sub-watersheds in our sample. Using short-lived radionuclides, we analyzed the samples for 137Cs and 210Pb and made further inferences using GIS software.

Notes

Session II, Panel 10: On the Down Low: Studies of Groundwater and Gypsum
Moderator: Bruce Simonson, Professor of Geology

Recommended Citation

Bower, Jennifer, "Using Short-Lived Radionuclides to Explore the Effects of Agricultural Drainage Tiles on Erosion Depth in the Vermilion Watershed, Ohio" (04/26/13). Senior Symposium. 5.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/seniorsymp/2013/presentations/5

Major

Organ Performance; Geology

Advisor(s)

James David Christie, Organ
Steven Wojtal, Geology

Project Mentor(s)

Amanda Schmidt, Geology

April 2013