Physical Gathering Techniques

Question 1

Beach and slope profile - measuring length

Answer 1

First measure the length of the beach or slope that you are studying which will allow you calculate the correct distance in order to carry out systematic sampling. (Usually divide distance by 10 to get your sampling points)

Question 2

Beach and slope profile - measuring gradient

Answer 2

To measure gradient, place a ranging pole at the top and place a second ranging pole at your first sampling point/visible change in the landscape and use a clinometer to measure the gradient (do twice to get an average) 

Question 3

Beach and slope profile - other data

Answer 3

Other data can then be taken at each sampling point e.g. vegetation or soil sample. Vegetation would be collected using random sampling and a quadrat. A soil sample can also be taken (to be lab analysed) or a quick soil type flow chart can be used.

Question 4

Beach and slope profile - limitations

Answer 4

• tide times can affect data
• ranging poles have to be held straight to ensure they don’t affect readings
• may be user error when using clinometer.
• measuring tape must be held tight to ensure sampling points are accurate

Question 5

Stream analysis process

Answer 5

First, measure the width of the river using a tape measure.

Then use systematic sampling (divide width by 10) to take the depths across the river using a meter stick.

When taking this reading, a pebble can also be collected at random. Check this against the roundness index chart and measure the longest axis of the pebble.

From here, collect the wetter perimeter using a chain or pushing a measuring tape down the banks and bed of the river.

Velocity can then be taken at 3 points across the river either using a flow meter or a float device.

Question 6

Stream analysis limitations

Answer 6

• must keep measuring tape tight and bank to bank to get a true width reading.
• when measuring depth, stand upstream and use a wooden measuring stick to ensure that is does not bend and shew the reading.
• don’t place the meter stick on a large rock as this may also skew the depth reading.
• the roundness index chart is subjective.
• when measuring velocity the float device may get stuck which may alter the reading.

Question 7

A micro-climate analysis process

Answer 7

Use a compass to determine North. Then use a wind vane or wind sock to calculate wind direction and use an anemometer to determine windspeed. Take several readings to get an average to make results in more reliable. Use a digital or analogue thermometer to measure temperature. Cloud coverage can be taken at each location using the Okta scale. Precipitation is measured using a rain gauge which is a scaled glass funnel. Readings should be recorded at each location.

• use a compass to determine north
• use a wind vane or wind sock to determine the wind direction
• Use on anemometer to determine windspeed. Take several readings to get an average and make the results more reliable
• Use a digital or analogue thermometer to measure temperature
• use the Okta scale to take cloud coverage
• use a rain gauge to measure precipitation, this is a scaled glass funnel.
• readings should be recorded at each location

Question 8

A micro-climate analysis limitations

Answer 8

• Wind strength can be difficult to measure at ground level
• Each temperature reading should be taken at the same height to keep the study standard
• Cloud coverage can impact temperature readings
• Cloud coverage readings are subjective and therefore more than one person should give a reading to take an average
• a rain gauge must be kept away from anything that may affect readings such as buildings