Coastal Environments

Beach Profiles

Aim

-          Measuring beach profiles and sediment (in Bournemouth)

Hypothesis

-          Groynes have no impact on beach profile or beach material on the beaches (of Bournemouth)

Equipment

-          Two ranging poles

-          Tape measure

-          Clinometer

-          Recording sheet

-          Cameras for groyne sites

Method

-          Person A stands at a safe distance from the edge of the sea holding a ranging pole

-          Person B stands holding a second ranging pole further up the beach where there is a break of slope

-          The distance between the two ranging poles is measured using a tape measure

-          The angle between matching markers on each ranging pole is measured using a clinometer

-          Repeat this process at each break of slope until the top of the beach is reached

-          Photographic evidence and field sketches can be takes

Presentation Technique & Reliability

-          A line graph (cross profile graph)  is best as it shows the shape of the cliff

-          Two beaches can be compared on the same graph paper

-          Taking measurements at equal intervals up the beach is more straight forward, however it tends to hide the small variations in slope which can be important in showing beach shape.

-          To increase the reliability be sure to hold the ranging poles the same as a difference will alter the results

Risk assessment

-          Low tide is best and you need to be aware when the tides change

-          Avoid sea cliffs due to the risk of rock fall

Evaluation

-          Sites may be affected by human influences (trampling)

-          Clinometer can be inaccurate due to wind/error

Secondary sources

-          Geographic information systems

-          Google maps

-          Weather data

-          Tidal records

Conflicts between development and conservation on a coastline

Aim

-          Investigation the conflicts between development and conservation on a stretch of coastline (in Bournemouth)

Hypothesis

-          The people (of Bournemouth) will be in favour of the development of the coastline of Bournemouth for tourists

Equipment

-          Questionnaire based in 5 – 10 questions (open and closed questions)

-          Land use map showing potential development

Method

-          Each person questions 10 people, and notes down their response on the questionnaire

-          Questionnaires would be combined to create larger and more accurate data

-          To avoid bias in the selection of people (stratified sampling)

Presentation Technique

-          Bar charts and pie charts (percentages) to be able to easily compare data an find patterns between people

Risk assessment

-          If face-to-face interviews conducted in groups

-          Carry mobile phones

-          Start and return with an adult

Evaluation

-          Results may be affected if there is not a large enough user groups asked

-          Results can be biased by level of interest

-          Timing of the interview will affect results as certain people could not be asked (work, school…)

Secondary Sources

-          Newspaper articles

-          Planning document

-          GIS & Google maps

-          Previous data (other questionnaires, internet polls...)