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The following is a topographic map of a small headwater watershed with relativel

ID: 297836 • Letter: T

Question

The following is a topographic map of a small headwater watershed with relatively uniform soil depth and soil texture properties. The surface sediments of locations A and B are contaminated and you are tasked with determining if they are likely to be part of the variable source area and a source of pollution to the stream during storms. You know that these locations have about the same length parallel to the contour and a similar local slope perpendicular to the contour. a. Does area A or area B appear to have a higher topographic wetness index, and why? b. Which site is more likely to become part of the variable source area and contribute contaminants to the stream via surface water during a storm? a. Does area A or area B appear to have a higher topographic wetness index, and why? b. Which site is more likely to become part of the variable source area and contribute contaminants to the stream via surface water during a storm?
Watershed Stream Contours 310 350 m

Explanation / Answer

A. Area B must have higher TWI. since it depends on slope and topographic variation which is more in case of B.

B. The variable source area must also be in B.