GEOGRAPHICAL METHODS and TECHNIQUES    

Use the table below to help you plan your beach and cliff fieldwork.

You will need to make up a grid showing which methods you used – but this can be done when you have carried out the fieldwork.

  A camera is required to record the methods used as well as recording data.

DATA REQUIRED

METHODS

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Beach Profiles

Accurate measurement of height differences every metre

Pantometer, measuring tapes and recording sheets

Beach Material – Size

Measurement of size of samples at regular intervals

Sampling device, ruler or micrometer, pebbleometer (optional), recording sheets

Beach Material – Shape

Measurement of shape (sphere, rod, disc or blade) at different sites

Pebbleometer and recording sheets

Beach Material – Roundness

Estimate of roundness of samples

Pebbleometer and recording sheets

Overall appearance of beach and shingle bank

Field sketch highlighting and labelling relevant features

Plain paper, pencil, rubber

Transect (including vegetation cover and other features)

Record profiles details and land cover every metre

Pantometer, recording sheets, keys to identify plants

Cliff Profiles

Measure (where possible and safe to do so) or estimate height and slope

Measuring tapes, clinometers (if necessary), recording sheets

Sketch cliff profiles

Field sketches using close, detailed observation

Plain paper, pencil, rubber

Cliff material details

Observation

Analysis of fallen samples

Recording sheets, keys to identify likely material

Evidence of sub-aerial erosion of cliffs (e.g. wind, rain)

Close observation of cliff face in different locations (including sketches)

Plain paper, pencil

Wave Characteristics –

Frequency

Count waves per minute (average over a 5 minute period)

Stopwatch, recording sheets

Wave Characteristics –

Height and Length

Estimate by comparison with a feature of known size

Ranging rods, recording sheets

Wave Characteristics –

Swash times

Time between wave breaking and reaching highest point on beach

Stop watch, recording sheets

Wave Characteristics –

Angle of approach

Estimate angle of wave attack by close observation

Compass, recording sheets

Longshore Drift

Measure movement of marked stones over recorded period of time

Ranging rods, measuring tapes, recording sheets

Recent changes

Accurate measurement linked to places on the map (then compared)

Measuring tapes and survey recording sheets

Historical changes

Comparison of survey findings with historical maps

(Maps from different dates) *not fieldwork

 

Fieldwork 2005