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Geographical Investigation

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Fathurrahman Hammani
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31 views

Geographical Investigation

Uploaded by

Fathurrahman Hammani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Geographical investigation:

Geographical Investigation Enquiry skills


1. Hypothesis = a statement, usually an educated guess, that you will either prove or

disprove through the data you collect as part of your investigation.


❖ There will be 2 hypotheses for each question.

2. Data collection:
❖ types of data and collection methods:
i- primary data : data collected first-hand; eg: Surveys, observations,
experiments, questionnaire, personal interview, etc.

ii- Secondary = data already collected / published eg: Government publications,


websites, books, journal articles, internal records etc.

iii- Quantitative data collection methods such as surveys and questionnaires are
used to gather numerical data.

iv- while qualitative data collection methods like observation are used to
gather descriptive data.
4 Sampling methods
1. Random Advantages: Disadvantage:
- not specify- at
• Can be used with large There may be practical
random
sample populations constraints in terms of time
• Avoids bias available and access to certain
parts of the study area.
2. systematic- key Advantages: Disadvantages:
words- “each” “
• It is more straight- • It is more biased, as not
intervals”
forward than random all members or points
sampling have an equal chance of
• A good coverage of the being selected
study area can be • It may therefore lead to
more easily achieved over or under
than using random representation of a
sampling particular pattern

3. Stratified The advantages are : Disadvanatges:


❖ It can be hard to
❖ It can be used with stratify questionnaire
random or data collection as
systematic sampling. accurate up to date
population data may
not be available and it
may be hard to identify
people's age or social
background effectively

❖Methodology:
Measuring the discharge of a river
What is the discharge of a river?
The discharge of a river is the volume of water flowing through a river channel. It is
usually measured in cubic metres per second (m3/s)
How do you measure it?
It is not possible to measure river discharge directly in the field. Instead, you need to
take measurements that allow you to calculate discharge.
Discharge(m3/s) = Cross sectional area(m2) × Velocity (m/s)
Cross sectional area (m2) = Width(m) × Mean depth(m)
In order to calculate Discharge we must measure Width, Depth and Velocity.
Why measure it?
According to the Bradshaw model as you move downstream river discharge should
increase. This is because tributaries will feed the river leading to an increase in
discharge.
Measuring the velocity of a river
What is the velocity of a river?
The velocity of a river is the speed the water flows. The velocity will change along the
course of a river.
How do you measure it?
If you have a flow meter it is very easy to measure the velocity of a river in the field.
If you don’t have a flow meter you can take measurements in the field using a float,
stopwatch and tape measure. Once you have recorded the appropriate data you can
use the formula below to calculate the velocity.
Velocity = Distance / Time
To gather your data you need to measure a distance of 5 metres downstream. Place
your float in the water upstream at 0m. Record the time it takes for the float to
travel 5m. Repeat this three times and calculate the mean. Next, use the above
formula to calculate the velocity.
Why measure it?
According to the Bradshaw Model velocity increases from source to mouth.

Measuring river depth


What is river depth?
River depth is how deep a river is. Depth changes across a river channel due to
material on the river bed. Therefore, it is useful to calculate the mean depth.
How do you measure it?
Place a metre ruler into the river until it touches the river bed. Record the distance
between the river bed and the surface of the water. You should do this at regular
intervals between the banks of the river. Add the depths together and divide by the
number of recordings you took to calculate the mean depth.
Tip: If the bed is rough and bumpy, you will need more measurements at closer
intervals to get an accurate result.
Why measure it?
To calculate the cross-sectional area you will need to know the mean depth.
According to the Bradshaw Model depth increases from the source to the mouth of a
river.
Measuring river width
What is the width of a river?
The width of a river is the distance between the points where water comes into
contact with each river bank.
How do you measure it?
Extend a tape measure from the point where the dry bank meets the water on one
side of the river to the same point on the other side (hold it taut about 20cm above
water level). Record the length, viewing the reading from directly above the tape
measure.
Why measure it?
Measuring the width of the river channel enables you to calculate the cross-sectional
area. Also, according to the Bradshaw Model, channel width increases downstream.
Measuring the wetted perimeter of a river
What is the wetted perimeter?
The wetted perimeter or occupied channel width is the entire length of the bed and
river bank (sides) in contact with water.
How do you measure it?
Wetter perimeter = Width + Depth + Depth
Why measure it?
According to the Bradshaw Model, the wetted perimeter of a river should increase
along its course.
Measuring the cross profile of a river
What is the cross profile?
River cross profiles show you a cross-section of a river’s channel and valley at certain
points in the river’s course.
How do you measure it?
Multiply the average depth by the width of the river channel.
Why measure it?
The cross profile of a river changes as it moves from the upper to lower course as a
result of changes in the river’s energy and the processes that the river carries out.
Measuring sediment size and type
What is sediment size and type?
The aim of this is to measure the size and shape of a sample of stones from each site
visited in the river.
How do you measure it?
At each site along the river move across the river and select 10 different stones
found on the river bed. You should use a random method of collection – put the
metre ruler into the water and pick up whatever stone it is touching. Use the ruler or
callipers to measure the long axes of each stone (the longest two points on the stone)
– this should be recorded in cm.
Use the Powers Index of Roundness to observe and compare the shape of the stone
and record this.

Why measure it?

Load particle size decreases along the long profile of a river. Bedload becomes less
angular along the course of a river.

What is a pilot study/ pilot survey?


⚫ small-scale “rehearsal” in which you test the methods you plan to use for your research project.
You will use the results to guide the methodology of your large-scale investigation

What are the advantages of pilot study/ pilot survey?


⚫ To test the methodology - is it working? Applicable?
⚫ Opportunity to change or improve the methodology
⚫ Gain confidence in doing fieldwork.
⚫ To practice working in a team/ group
⚫ To allocate/ manage time allocation.

Flowmeter-
a water velocity instrument for
measuring flows in open channels.

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