Coasts Fieldwork

Question 1

What is qualitative data?

Answer 1

Results that can not be expressed as numerical values
e.g. field sketches, photographs

Question 2

What is quantitative data?

Answer 2

Data that is expressed using numerical values
E.g. velocity, build up of sediment, gradient

Question 3

What is random sampling?

Answer 3

In each location you take pebbles from random points rather than set intervals - makes method unbiased

Question 4

What is stratified sampling?

Answer 4

Samples would be split in to groups
- e..g, three sites from each section of coastline
- can be mixed with systematic and random sampling

Question 5

What is systematic sampling?

Answer 5

Carry out measurements at regular intervals e.g every 10m - gives good coverage of area

Question 6

Advantages of stratified sampling?

Answer 6

• can be used with other sampling
• very flexible
• comparisons can be easily made

Question 7

Disadvantages of stratified sampling?

Answer 7

• it can be hard to stratify data such as questionnaire responses as it may be hard to identify peoples ages or background

Question 8

Advantages of random sampling

Answer 8

• avoids bias
• can be used with large sample sizes

Question 9

Disadvantages of random sampling?

Answer 9

• can lead to poor representation of overall population
• practical constraints of time availability and access to certain areas

Question 10

Advantages of systematic sampling?

Answer 10

• more straightforward than random sampling
• good coverage of area can be achieved

Question 11

Disadvantages of systematic sampling?

Answer 11

• more biased as not all areas have an equal chance of being selected
• could lead to over and under representation

Question 12

Beach morphology

Answer 12

• put the pole at the shoreline and measure 10m towards cliffs/ sea walk with measuring tape then be second pole in position
• use clinometer to measure angle by selecting one line on the pole and aiming the clinometer at the same line on the other pole
• squeeze the trigger and check angle

Question 13

Longshore drift

Answer 13

• place ranging pole into sand close to the sea
• place orange in the sea and start stop watch
• time 5 minutes and place second raging pole at the location where the orange is
• measure the difference using a measuring tape and record distance
• repeat 3 time for average

Question 14

Sediment characteristics

Answer 14

• select sampling method
• place a quadrant on the ground and select 10 pebbles using your sampling method
• measure width using callipers
• using powers roundness index record the roundness or angularity of the pebble
• complete this at each stages of beach profile

Question 15

Build up of beach material

Answer 15

• start at sea wall and measure the depth of sand against the groyne - place meter stick in ground and measure distance from the sand to top of the groyne
• repeat on other side of groyne
• measure 5m ( or 10 if it’s a long groyne) along the groyne and repeat measurements on either side
• repeat this until you reach end of the groyne or until it’s no longer safe

Question 16

Vegetation (sand dunes)

Answer 16

• start at tide line and place quadrant on the floor - measure 10m towards the dunes with measuring tape and place ranging pole there
• count the different types of vegetation found in your quadrant + write them on data collection sheet
• repeat method very 10m for as long as it is safe/ necessary to do so

Question 17

Possible limitations of data collection methods

Answer 17

• tide times - may not be able to explore full extent of beach
• user error for equipment such as clinometer
• time - could effect choice of sampling method - coverage of beach may not be satisfactory
• wind speed + direction will affect longshore drift
• may not be safe to carry out fieldwork close to cliffs

Question 18

Risks

Answer 18

• trips, slips and falls - ground can be uneven
• drowning
• becoming cut off by tide
• rockfalls from cliffs
• poor weather
• hot weather - dehydration/heatstroke