Activiteit
Water & Sand Dynamics Laboratory Tour
Visit the Kraijenhoff van de Leur Laboratory for Water and Sediment Dynamics, and find out all about the ‘hydraulic jump’ and the effect of sand extraction on river flows.
The ‘hydraulic jump’ is a natural phenomenon which causes huge variations of water depths due to abrupt changes in the river bed. But how does it work in practice? And how does this relate to sand extraction? Find out at the Kraijenhoff van de Leur Laboratory, where Jelle ten Harkel will take you on a guided tour!
As the lab can only welcome 10 participants for this tour, you are advised to be in time to ensure your spot in the tour.
About the Kraijenhoff van de Leur Laboratory for Water and Sediment Dynamics
Morphological response of sand-bedded rivers to flow and sediment transport is simulated in the Kraijenhoff van de Leur Laboratory for Water and Sediment Dynamics. The main goal is to better understand the interaction between river discharge, water depths and channel bed.
About Jelle ten Harkel
Jelle ten Harkel is a MSc student Earth and Environment. He is currently doing his thesis on the formation of low-angle dunes in flume experiments, in order to contribute to a better understanding of the relation between flow characteristics and hydraulic resistance. This research involves a simulation of the natural conditions found in sand-bedded rivers such as the Rijn. Furthermore, he has been a student assistant for 2 laboratory courses, and has thereby gained experience in working in the laboratory.
About The World of Sand (21-28 May)
Sand. Ordinary and incredibly diverse. Beautiful. Omnipresent and becoming scarce at the same time. In this theme week, Studium Generale explores the many aspects of this versatile material. What it looks like, how it sounds, how we source it, what you can do with it and, especially, its growing scarcity and the consequences this has.
Did you know that sand is the most consumed raw material on earth after fresh water? And that your smartphone wouldn’t exist without it? It is used for buildings, infrastructure, glass, computers, cosmetics and detergents – omnipresent things in our daily lives. With visions of deserts in your mind it might be hard to imagine, but did you ever realize that sand is a finite source, and actually becoming scarcer? And that the increasing pressure on this resource may have serious implications, ranging from sand conflicts and ecological destruction, to compromised food production and flood protection?
Delve into the everyday and at the same time unknown world of sand, and explore its special nature and role from various angles. Admire its beauty and diversity, and find out why sand has so many different uses. Discover where we get it from and how we extract it. Learn about the social and ecological effects of sand extraction, and discuss what role science and policy could play in promoting sustainable sand use.