test flashcards

Question 1

What was the aim of our river fieldwork?

Answer 1

To investigate how river channel characteristics (width, depth, velocity) change downstream at Carding Mill Valley.

Question 2

What hypothesis did we test?

Answer 2

That the river would become wider, deeper, and faster flowing downstream.

Question 3

Why was Carding Mill Valley a suitable location?

Answer 3

It is safe, accessible, and shows clear upstream–downstream changes in river characteristics.

Question 4

How did we measure river width?

Answer 4

We stretched a tape measure across the channel from bank to bank.

Question 5

How did we measure river depth?

Answer 5

We took multiple depth readings at equal intervals across the channel using a meter ruler.

Question 6

How did we measure river velocity?

Answer 6

We timed a floating object (e.g., cork) traveling a set distance downstream.

Question 7

Why might our velocity data not have been accurate?

Answer 7

The float often got stuck on rocks in the uneven riverbed, causing slower readings.

Question 8

What trend did we find for river width downstream?

Answer 8

Width increased downstream.

Question 9

What trend did we find for river depth downstream?

Answer 9

Depth increased downstream.

Question 10

What trend did we find for river velocity downstream?

Answer 10

Velocity generally increased downstream.

Question 11

Which geographical theory supports our findings?

Answer 11

The Bradshaw Model (predicts increased width, depth, and velocity downstream).

Question 12

What physical process explains increasing depth downstream?

Answer 12

Vertical erosion deepens the channel as water energy increases.

Question 13

What physical process explains increasing width downstream?

Answer 13

Lateral erosion wears away the banks as discharge increases.

Question 14

Name one risk during fieldwork.

Answer 14

Slipping on wet rocks in the river.

Question 15

How was the slipping risk reduced?

Answer 15

By wearing sturdy shoes with good grip and entering the river slowly.

Question 16

How could we improve reliability?

Answer 16

Repeat each measurement and calculate an average.

Question 17

How could we improve accuracy?

Answer 17

Use a flow meter instead of a float to measure velocity.

Question 18

Why might our conclusions not be fully valid?

Answer 18

We only collected data on one day and at ten sites, so results may not show typical conditions.