Specific data collection techniques

Question 1

Measure velocity of river flow

Answer 1

• Equipment: tape, stopwatch, poles, float
• Measure 10m along river: place poles
• Use floats
• Stopwatch to time
• Different points along channel
• Repeat 3 times and calculate mean

Question 2

How is the speed of the river influenced by friction?

Answer 2

• Friction increased if there are larger rocks
• Speed decreases if friction increase
• Flow is turbulent with rocks; rocks divert flow

Question 3

River features in upper and lower course

Answer 3

• Upper course: waterfalls, rapids, V-shaped valley
• Lower course: meanders, ox-bow lake, deltas, levees, floodplains

Question 4

Beach profile

Answer 4

A graph that shows the changing height of the beach from the upper part of the beach down to the low tide level

Question 5

How to meaure beach profile?

Answer 5

• Use tape to set out transect lines
• Start at water’s edge and place pole
• Vertical pole 5 m away
• Angle of slope using clinometer to mark
• Record & repeat

Question 6

How to measure the depth of a river?

Answer 6

• 0.5 m intervals held across stream
• Rope and measuring tape, knot
• Hold stick vertical to bank
• Measure depth to river bed

Question 7

Steps to collecting land use data (5)

Answer 7

1. Organize into groups
2. Observe/ survey buildings
3. Systematic survey
4. Record/map
5. Classify function of buildings

Question 8

Steps to carry out traffic counts (4)

Answer 8

1. Pairs of students on each side of the road
2. Synchronize timing
3. Count their side and tally recording
4. Add up total

Question 9

How to improve the steps taken in traffic counts?

Answer 9

• Survey at more times during day
• Survey on different days: work/non-work
• Have another student check
• More survey points