Physical Geography Fieldwork Flashcards
What is the aim or question of your study?
To investigate downstream changes in channel characteristics along Glenderaterra Beck, near Keswick, Cumbria.
Where is the location of study?
Glenderaterra Beck, Blencathra, Cumbria.
Why did we choose this site for our fieldwork?
- The river is shallow and therefore safe to undertake fieldwork in.
- It is easily accessible from a public foot path.
- Reliable rainfall in the area so we should have a reliable flow of water.
How do you measure wet width?
The tape measure is held at the left bank where the water meets the bank. It is held taut across the river surface, perpendicular to flow to the right bank; the width is recorded in centimetres.
Why did you use this method to measure the wet width?
To work out the area so we can measure the discharge. We used this method because it is safe, straight forward and accurate.
What are the limitations of measuring wet width using a tape measure?
Because the channel is sometimes at an angle, the river undercuts the bank. This makes it difficult.
What method is used to measure river depth?
The river depth is divided systematically into ten equal intervals. The metre stick is placed in the stream until it reaches the river bed at each interval, held with the narrow side into the flow. The depth is read at the water surface in centimetres.
Why do you measure the river depth?
By finding the depth we can learn how the discharge changes down stream and how deep the river gets across the river. Also, we use this method as you can compare the depths to the river basin. It is a good method as it is accurate and easy to do.
What are the limitations in measuring river depth using a metre stick?
The person measuring the depth may push the stick into the sediment when measuring. This would cause data to be inaccurate.
How are the results from wet width presented?
Using a bar chart or scatter graph.
What are the positives of using this technique?
BAR CHART
-You are able to see clearly if there has been an increase or decrease, so it is easy to see the results.
- Bar charts are easer to read off than scatter graphs.
- Easy to make a bar chart- less errors are likely to be made. Allows you to make a valid conclusion on how the width changes downstream.
- Simple and easy to understand.
What are the negatives of using a bar chart?
- In order to make a valid conclusion you have to take many measurements which is very time consuming.
- Shows average depth but it doesn’t show shape or cross section.
How is data from river depth presented?
- Cross sectional graph.
- Bar chart.
- Scatter graph.
What are the positives of using this technique?
- Cross section diagram shows a visual representation of where the river bed is most eroded.
- Bar charts and cross sectional diagrams are easy to do and are quick and simple to read.
What are the negatives of using this technique?
-Only shows a small portion of a river. In order to fully understand the changes of the whole length of the river you would have to draw many to make a conclusion which is very time consuming.
