Fieldwork physical

Question 1

Title

Answer 1

How do the characteristics of river sherford change with distance downstream

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

• 10km west of Poole
• easy access from local roads
• close to other fieldwork opportunities

Question 3

Theory/ hypothesis

Answer 3

Bradshaw model

- with distance downstream, river should get wider, deeper, faster

Question 4

Data collection

Answer 4

Depth: divide river by 10, measure depth every 20% -> take average

Width: tape measure, measure difference between sides of river to the nearest cm

Velocity: locate thalweg, flow meter in river with blade facing upstream, stopwatch for timing, digital display for reading, record how many rotations in 30 seconds, repeat 3 times and find average

Question 5

Sampling

Answer 5

Systematic; 4 sites at regular intervals from source to mouth

Question 6

Risks

Answer 6

Drowning: depth, non-swimmers, first aid kit, groups, sensible

Weather: waterproof, warm clothes, spare clothes, hat sun cream

Question 7

Data presentation

Answer 7

Line graph, y-axis (width…), X-axis (different sites)

Good: clear pattern shown, line of best fit to show trend

Question 8

Explanation of results from

Answer 8

Depth : higher velocity -> more erosion + removal of material downstream

Width : downstream more lateral erosion yet it actually decreases

Velocity: as channel gets bigger, less obstacles so it increases

Question 9

Conclusion

Answer 9

Matches Bradshaw model in depth + velocity, not width due to managed nature for human benefit

Question 10

Improvements to methods

Answer 10

Width: use laser technology
Depth: record more regularly than every 20% e.g every 10%
Velocity: use flotation devices, time speed they take to go 10m. Look at more locations along river e.g 10 sites + re-visit the river six months later to see if seasons affects the river characteristics