River Fieldwork case study Flashcards
What is the case study question?
To what extent does the River Holford fit the Bradshaw model?
Why did we go there?
Close by - more time to collect data
Short river profile - easier and quicker to collect higher quantities of data in a shorter time period
What methods did we use to measure load size, channel width and channel depth?
Systematic sampling - channel width
Success because it removes bias however can be limited due to obstacles
Random sampling - load size
Success because it is random and removes all bias however can be limited as it includes anomalies
Stratified sampling - channel depth
Success because it produces accurate and reliable data however can result in bias.
Did it fit the Bradshaw model?
Yes - load size decreased by 6cm in length downstream due to methods of erosion, channel width increased by 600cm downstream as a result of lateral erosion due to higher amounts of energy in the water.
Why was Lyme Regis in need of regeneration?
Was mainly built on eroding, unstable cliffs due to hydraulic power from waves so the local people (fishermen etc) devised a plan to save it
It has a popular tourist seafront which needed protection
How did they protect Lyme Regis?
Environmental improvement scheme with 5 phases
Phase 1 and 2 - building sea walls and promenades, rock armour added to protect the beach
Phase 3 was abandoned after a cost-threat analysis
Phase 4 - new sea walls for protection, work to make cliffs more stable eg nails added
Positives?
Increases tourism
More protection during storms
Better harbour protection
Less erosion
Negatives?
Cost £43 million
Took decades to complete
Could be argued defences ruin natural coastline
Erosion may be worse in other areas due to changes in longshore drift
