GEEWIS Scenario #2: Water, Water, Everywhere...?

Peter and Jeanette Brown and their toddler, Ralph, have a home along Willow Brook in Mansfield, CT, adjacent to the University campus.

Peter is a fine man, loving husband and devoted father.

Jeanette has recently gone back to work after having Ralph, but still tries to spend as much time as possible with the little tyke.

For his part, Ralph is enjoying things… life is good. His job is to explore his new world… oh, and of course, eat and grow.

Willow Brook is typically a lovely little stream that snakes through the Brown’s backyard where the family enjoys playing and barbequeing.

Willow Brook is a pretty, clear, babbling brook that drains into the Fenton River and eventually into Long Island Sound.

Peter is convinced that moving in to his grandfather’s house was a good idea. But the old family homestead could use some improvements.

“Jeanette, don’t you think a deck in the back yard would be nice? We could have great parties there or just relax and watch the water ripple across the rocks of Willow Brook.”

“Peter, I think that’s a great idea. But we’ve been here less than a year. Do you know how far back you can build? How far up the bank can Willow Brook get?”

“Jeanette, you know… I’m not really sure. My grandfather never said anything about flooding, but I think the University lake was a lot deeper then.”

“Maybe we can just figure it out based on rainfall. We’ll find out the worst case for rainfall and determine the most water that could come down the Brook.”

“Peter, I don’t think it’s that simple. But I met someone at Ralphy’s daycare the other day who might help us.”

“Her name is Alli and she is an engineer who works at the University. I’ll ask her next time I see her.”

… the next day Jeanette talks to Alli at the day care center...

“Hi Alli, can I ask you a question… Peter and I were wondering how high the Brook in our back yard might get.”

“It is fed from run off from the University’s Swan and Mirror Lakes. Can we just look at historical rainfall data to tell how high Willow Brook might get?”

“Well, Jeanette, I’m not sure. I’m not a hydrology expert. I guess there might be, what I’d call, conservation of mass of rainfall.”

“But then again, the water may not all run off either. Maybe you could look at actual run off data from the lakes or other nearby watersheds to get a better idea.”

“Sorry, but I build things, on land. That’s all I can tell you about the ponds. I know the new Chemistry Building I’m designing will increase the run off somewhat, though.”

Help the Browns determine how much water runs off from the University Lakes, and how high Willow Brook comes up. Make a convincing presentation of your findings. MyPond Anchor Problem #2: Water, Water, Everywhere…?

Take the Case… and GOOD LUCK!