PROBLEM: How dangerous are mudslides?

PREDICTION:

Some volcanic eruptions can cause massive landslides of mud, rock, debris, and water and debris that cascade down the slope of a volcano. In this lab, you will experiment with different mixtures. See if you can find a formula that simulates real mudflows. Instead of mud, you will use flour; instead of rocks you will use corn meal or sand.

MATERIALS: corn meal or sand, water, measuring beakers, cups or other dome shaped objects, dishes, spoons, plastic trays

PROCEDURE: In this experiment you, are trying to create a fast-flowing, dangerous mudflow. You will perform four trials. For each trial, make a different formula of flour sand/cornmeal, and water. Measure the ingredients carefully; you will need to compare them to the rest of your class. After you make each mixture, pour a spoonful of it on top of your cup or dome, which is analogous to a volcano. Describe how the material flows down the side of the "volcano". Record your measurements and observations in the diagrams below.

CONCLUSION: Which mixture will cause the most damage. Why?