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Modeling Media

Modeling Media

One of the remarkable features of our stream tables and flumes is our custom substrate. The low density, particle distribution, and coloring of the media allow for rapid responses to changes in flow and slope to provide beautiful and compelling visualization of sediment transport and deposition.

Stratigraphy cut of color-coded media
Color-coded media in the EmFlume1.5
Em4 showing meander, bank failure, and delta
Close up of Memphis media
Stream through Memphis media
Converging streams through Memphis media in Em3
Delta in Em4 with Carbondale media
Close up of Alpha media
Plastic vegetation on outer bank
Alpha media in Em2
Carbondale color-coded media in Em2 Stream Table

Our media is made of post-industrial, ground melamine plastic and is about 60 percent the density of quartz sand, or ~1.6 SG. This means the media can demonstrate river behavior and channel morphology with impressive accuracy at the space and time scales of our river models. The media is lightweight, easy to transport, won’t damage pumps, and is much easier to clean than stream table sand and other quartz materials.

We offer three versions of modeling media: Alpha, Carbondale, and Memphis. The Carbondale and Memphis mixes are color-coded by size. Color-coding allows for visualization of sediment transport and deposition according to grain size. From advanced sedimentology research to K-12 education, our modeling media is a powerful tool.

If you are looking to convert from stream table sand, we can help you determine how much of our media you would need to fill your own stream table. Please CONTACT US with the dimensions of your table.

The media demonstrates processes with unreasonable effectiveness.

Chris Paola
CSE Distinguished Professor
University of Minnesota

I got to use the Carbondale media in a sedimentology stream table lab with advanced undergrads, and it was great!
Students were able to see transport and deposition processes in the coarse media. We were able to generate classic features and processes:
meandering, braided systems, erosion, deltas, and wave scarps.

Amy Frappier
Associate Professor
Skidmore College

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