Fieldwork Physical

Question 1

Title

Answer 1

How do the characteristics of the River Sherford change with distance downstream?

Question 2

Location (why is the location good)

Answer 2

• 10km West of Poole, Dorset
• River source (beginning) is in Wareham Forest
• River mouth(end) is in the Poole Harbour

Why good?

• Easy to access from local roads
• close to other fieldwork opportunities (e.g. urban areas, coasts)

Question 3

Hypothesis (what should happen)

Answer 3

Bradshaw Model: with distance downstream, the river should get wider, deeper and faster

Question 4

Data collection method

Answer 4

To measure depth: divide the width of the river by 10 and then measure the depth of the river every 20% of the way across, recording each depth. Take average of the depths to get a mean
To measure width: measure the difference between the two sides of a river channel using a tape measure. Calculate to nearest cm
To measure velocity: locate the fastest flow and then put the flowmeter in it with the blades facing upstream. Using a stop watch for timing and the digital display for the reading, record how many rotations are completed in 30 seconds. If possible, repeat this 3 times and take an average

Question 5

Sampling method

Answer 5

Systematic, 4 sites at a regular intervals along the river from source to mouth

Question 6

Risk and control measures

Answer 6

1. Drowning: full briefing given to all